LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Saturday directed the authorities to ensure that the code of conduct for Muharram is implemented at all costs and stern action taken against provocative and hate speeches.

The CM was monitoring security arrangements for Muharram and Youm-i-Ashur from the central control room established in the home department at the Civil Secretariat. He directed that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and all energies and capabilities be utilised for maintaining law and order. The army and Rangers had been called for assistance in security, he added.

He said Muharram commemorated the sacrifice of Imam Husain for upholding Islam. “The incident of Karbala gives us the lesson that the forces of evil have to face defeat, while Islam will remain forever. Imam Husain upheld the truth and did not bow before evil. The grief of Imam Husain and other martyrs of Karbala will remain forever,” he maintained.

The additional chief secretary (home) briefed the chief minister about the security arrangements. Mr Buzdar was told that over 240,000 police officers and officials would perform duty in Punjab, while 676 places across the province had been declared sensitive. Special arrangements had been made for CCTV coverage, dashboard and media monitoring at the central control room.

Digital monitoring of 37,562 majalis and 9,717 processions would be carried out throughout the province. The central control room had been linked with the divisional and district control rooms.

Buzdar said the majalis and processions being held across Punjab have been geo-tagged and directed that the route and punctuality for them must be ensured. He also asked the members of peace committees to play a vibrant role for promoting religious harmony, adding that there would be no compromise over the publication and distribution of objectionable material, and indiscriminate action should be taken against violators.

The chief minister said meals should be provided on time to the police personnel on duty. On Youm-i-Ashur, Mr Buzdar stressed that the police, administration and other agencies should display ideal cooperation. Law enforcement agencies should maintain close liaison with each other and police officials remain on duty till the peaceful culmination of the processions.

The chief secretary, inspector general of police, principal secretary to the CM, special secretary (home), the information secretary and other officials concerned were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2020