LAHORE: The Punjab home department has instructed all deputy commissioners to set up sabeels for the mourners and general public participating in processions on Muharram 9 and 10.

The home department has issued guidelines for setting up sabeels to ensure uniformity, safety, hygiene and security across all districts.

It has instructed that all sabeels shall follow a standardised format -- preferably 10ft x 8ft with proper footpath clearance -- and include a weather-resistant canopy, labelled containers for drinking water, milk, juice, etc., appropriate signage, and disposable cups.

It said sabeels should be established at suitable public locations, especially along major procession routes, but must not obstruct roads or security perimeters.

The instructions stated that the sabeels must be checked by registered medical practitioners and food safety officers before opening for public consumption.

Unverified or non-hygienic food or drinks shall not be allowed at any sabeel, it added.

It said that all volunteers and razakars deputed at the sabeels must be vetted and cleared by the Special Branch. For sensitive areas, a prior security sweep by the Bomb Disposal Unit must be conducted. “It will be better if sabeels are placed within the reach of any CCTV camera particularly in sensitive zones / along major routes. Monitoring thereof shall also be carried out remotely,” it suggested.

It said unauthorised vehicles or pushcarts would not be allowed near the sabeels. No political or sectarian slogans, banners, or loudspeakers would be allowed at the sabeel sites. Collecting donations or commercial advertisements were also strictly prohibited.

It said the deputy commissioners and DPOs would appoint field officers to inspect sabeels from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram. Rectifiable actions shall be taken by the district administration in case of any adverse observations, it warned.

It said that pictorial evidence of sabeels shall be shared with the provincial control room of the home department.

SUSPENSION: The Punjab home secretary on Friday suspended five officials at the District Jail, Attock, for a period of 90 days on charges of inefficiency, negligence and misconduct.

The officials had reportedly tortured an inmate.

The suspended officials included Deputy Superintendent (Executive) Sarmad Hassan, Jail Assistant Superintendent Mushtaq Ahmed, Chief Warder Muhammad Rafiq, Head Warder Zulfiqar and Warder Muhammad Ayub.

Published in Dawn, June 21th, 2025