PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan on Monday expressed satisfaction with security arrangements for Muharram and directed all government departments to perform their duty diligently for maintaining law and order in the upcoming Islamic month.

He issued the directions during a meeting at the Civil Secretariat that examined security and other arrangements for Muharram, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office here.

The official statement read that the Muharram security plan was shared with participants, including cabinet members, government officials, and representatives of the police department, Frontier Constabulary and the military.

Under the plan, Muharram processions will be monitored at the command room established at the home department. Special security arrangements have been made for sensitive districts, where processions will be monitored live.

CM expresses satisfaction with arrangements

The official statement read that social media would be monitored in order to check “negative propaganda.”

It added that standard operating procedures were shared with all stakeholders.

Under the security plan, special contingents of the Frontier Constabulary and military will be deployed for security at sensitive areas during the month of Muharram.

Officials told the meeting that “search and strike” operations were being carried out in order to avoid any untoward incident during the upcoming Islamic month.

They said that a health and emergency response plan had also been devised.

The officials said directions had been issued to authorities to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the areas where Muharram processions would be held.

They also informed participants about the suspension of mobile phone service in sensitive areas. Representatives of the relevant departments will be present at the control room round the clock.

On the occasion, the caretaker chief minister expressed satisfaction with security arrangements for Muharram and urged religious scholars to play their due role for promoting peace and interfaith harmony, according to the official statement.

“This [peace during Muharram] should be everyone’s priority. Every department should fulfil its responsibility accordingly,” Mr Khan said.

The chief minister issued directions to authorities for focusing their attention on sensitive cities in Muharram.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2023