- Punjab’s information minister says traditional procession routes must remain intact with foolproof security measures
LAHORE: On the special directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Information Minister Azma Bokhari visited Jhang to review the arrangements for the month of Muharram.
During the visit, she chaired a high-level meeting with district administration, law enforcement agencies, and members of the peace committee. Deputy Commissioner Ali Akbar Bhindar and DPO Captain (R) Bilal Iftikhar Kayani gave a detailed briefing on the security arrangements, procession routes, and facilities during Muharram.
The meeting was also attended by Commissioner Faisalabad Maryam Khan, RPO Zeeshan Asghar, MPA Colonel (R) Ghazanfar Abbas Qureshi, former assembly members Muhammad Aslam Bharwana, Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh, Faisal Hayat Jabboana, Khalid Ghani, Sahibzada Maulana Muhammad Asif Muawiya, Ameer Abbas Sial, along with district peace committee members and Majalis organizers.
Azma directed that strict compliance with the Punjab Government’s Muharram SOPs must be ensured. She emphasized that no changes should be made to traditional procession routes. Adequate lighting, water sprinkling, and CCTV coverage along the routes must be ensured without exception.
She urged scholars from all schools of thought to promote patience, tolerance, and interfaith harmony. The minister warned of immediate and strict action against those spreading religious hatred on social media.
MPA Colonel (R) Ghazanfar Abbas Qureshi stated that all religious sects are united for peace and are working together to maintain harmony in the district.
Later, the Information Minister visited the Safe City Authority Control Room, where she was briefed on the real-time CCTV monitoring of the 6th Muharram processions. The deputy commissioner informed her that all main procession routes are being continuously monitored through surveillance cameras.
Azma also inspected Sabeel points across Jhang city, reviewing cleanliness, water availability, and the performance of Food Authority teams. She instructed the concerned departments to ensure that there is no compromise on cleanliness and water quality at these Sabeel stations.
The Minister personally visited the 3.5 km route of the main 7th Muharram procession and held a detailed meeting with the organizers at Imambargah Muhajireen to assess the overall arrangements.
