Murad orders tight Muharram security, uninterrupted services across Sindh

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday directed authorities to put in place stringent security and administrative arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram processions and majalis across the province, while also ensuring uninterrupted civic services for mourners.

Chairing a review meeting at the Chief Minister House, the chief minister said the government’s foremost priority during the holy month was to maintain law and order and facilitate participants in religious gatherings. He warned that any negligence or gaps in the arrangements would not be tolerated.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Nasir Hussain Shah, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, senior provincial officials and representatives of relevant departments.

Religious scholars and community leaders, including representatives of the Jafaria Alliance — Allama Baqar Hussain Zaidi, Syed Shabbir Raza Zaidi, Syed Nadeem Hyder, Hassan Sagheer Abidi and Syed Ali Sadiqain — were also present and gave proposals on Muharram arrangements. Shah instructed officials to incorporate the suggestions put forward by the scholars into the final plan.

The chief minister reviewed measures relating to both security and facilitation for processions and majalis, and told all departments to remain on high alert while maintaining effective coordination among institutions. He directed police and district administrations to enforce a comprehensive security and traffic management plan, especially at sensitive locations, and to stay in close contact with scholars, procession organisers and community representatives.

Shah also instructed K-Electric, HESCO and SEPCO to ensure uninterrupted power supply during religious gatherings and to avoid load-shedding on procession routes. In addition, he directed local government bodies to maintain cleanliness on procession routes, improve street lighting, ensure the availability of drinking water, and strengthen drainage and sewerage systems to prevent inconvenience for the public.

Emphasising religious harmony and inter-sect unity, the chief minister urged all stakeholders to work together for the peaceful observance of Muharram and the preservation of law and order. He said the provincial government would use all available resources to safeguard lives and property during the month across Sindh.