RAWALPINDI: Punjab Caretaker Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare and Population Welfare Dr Jamal Nasir on Friday directed the district administration and local police to re-audit the security of all mosques and Imambargahs and prepare a plan to deal with any kind of emergency.

He said this while presiding over a meeting in the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner’s office. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema, CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani, officers of Rescue 1122, health department, Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation and other relevant departments.

The caretaker minister was of the view that all institutions must be on red alert during Muharram so that extremist elements do not get opportunity to jeopardize the law and order situation in the country on the pretext of sectarian hatred during this holy month.

Furthermore, he emphasised the need for foolproof security for Imambargahs and provision of necessary police force, adding that the administration must be in contact with religious scholars to ensure code of conduct.

Dr Jamal Nasir further said the peace committees established at police stations ought to be in constant contact with the district administration and regulars meetings must be held with scholars of all schools of thought to ensure a peaceful environment in the country.

On this occasion, the administration and police gave separate briefings to Provincial Minister Dr Jamal Nasir regarding security, cleanliness and other arrangements during Muharram.

Published in Dawn, July 22th, 2023