Balochistan finalises Muharram security plan for majalis and processions

QUETTA: Authorities in Balochistan have finalised a detailed security and coordination plan for Muharram-ul-Haram processions and majalis, with officials, religious scholars and community representatives agreeing on steps aimed at maintaining peace during the holy month.

The plan was settled at a meeting in Quetta focused on law and order, security arrangements and interfaith coordination. The gathering was attended by senior civil and military officials, police leadership, district administration, scholars from different schools of thought and representatives of the business community.

Among those present were religious scholars Allama Syed Hashim Moosavi, Anwarul Haq Haqqani, Qari Abdul Rahman Noorzai, Dr Atta-ur-Rehman and Mufti Mahmood Ahmed, along with members of traders’ associations and peace committees.

Security deployment and surveillance

At the meeting, the Inspector General of Police, Balochistan, said security arrangements would cover all imambargahs, mosques, processions and gathering routes during Muharram. He said a comprehensive deployment plan had been prepared under which police and other law-enforcement personnel would be stationed in sensitive areas.

He also said CCTV monitoring and live surveillance systems would remain active across the city, while aerial surveillance would be carried out for major processions on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. According to the plan, snipers will be placed on rooftops along sensitive routes and female police personnel will be assigned to women’s gatherings and processions.

Role of scholars and organisers

Religious scholars at the meeting highlighted the significance of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, his family members and companions in Karbala. They pledged to promote interfaith harmony, discourage sectarian hatred and counter misinformation and rumours during the holy month.

The scholars also urged people not to rely on unverified information and to seek guidance from official sources. Participants agreed that mosques, imambargahs and local communities would actively work to promote unity, peace and religious tolerance during Muharram. The religious scholars further pledged to emphasise national unity and brotherhood in their sermons and speeches, particularly during Friday sermons.

Organisers of Muharram processions assured the meeting that they would fully implement security standard operating procedures and maintain close coordination with law-enforcement agencies, religious scholars and peace committee members.

Administrative and health support

The deputy commissioner’s office will remain operational to coordinate gas supply matters with Sui Southern Gas Company during the holy month. The health department, meanwhile, will provide emergency services and ensure the availability of ambulances, deployment of medical staff and adequate medicine supplies, according to the plan finalised at the meeting.