Hyderabad Division tightens Muharram security, civic arrangements

HYDERABAD: Authorities in Hyderabad Division have stepped up security and administrative preparations ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram, with special focus on border areas adjoining Balochistan and measures aimed at ensuring peaceful observances during majalis and processions.

Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi chaired a meeting at Shahbaz Building to review and finalise arrangements for the sacred month. Officials of the district administration and law enforcement agencies were directed to maintain peace, promote inter-sect harmony and ensure a calm environment during Muharram.

The meeting was attended in person by representatives of police, Rangers, intelligence agencies, the health department, HESCO, SSGC, Rescue 1122, municipal bodies and other departments. Deputy commissioners and SSPs of Badin, Dadu, Jamshoro, Matiari, Sujawal, Thatta, Tando Allahyar and Tando Muhammad Khan joined through video link.

District plans reviewed

During the session, Abbasi asked deputy commissioners and SSPs to brief him on their detailed plans for the peaceful conduct of majalis and processions. Deputy commissioners informed the meeting about the number of gatherings in their districts, security deployment plans and other arrangements.

The commissioner emphasised the need for uninterrupted electricity and gas supply during the timings of majalis and processions. He also underscored the importance of additional security arrangements in sensitive areas.

Emergency and traffic coordination

The meeting also reviewed traffic management, emergency response, medical facilities and coordination mechanisms between civil authorities and law enforcement agencies. The exercise was aimed at ensuring that both security and civic services remain in place during religious gatherings across the division.

Attention was also given to online monitoring during Muharram. The SSP of Badin told the meeting that misuse of social media and the spread of fake news during the month could create serious challenges. He said there was a need for an effective system for timely monitoring, prevention and removal of hate material and provocative content circulating online.

Authorities also ordered a crackdown on hate material and inflammatory online activity as part of the wider security plan for the month.