RAWALPINDI: Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema on Friday directed civic bodies to finalise all arrangements for Muharram processions and said that provision of every possible facility to the mourners should be ensured during Muharramul Haram.

He stated this during the meeting of license holders of Majalis and mourning processions and allied departments was held in Deputy Commissioner office. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue retired Captain Shahryar Shirazi, all Assistant Commissioners, officers of police and other concerned departments, as well as license holders.

During the meeting, the assistant commissioners concernedgave a detailed briefing on the arrangements for gatherings and mourning processions, security, cleanliness, lighting, clearance of routes and other necessary matters.

The deputy commissioner emphasised that close communication and coordination between the police and licence holders is very important to make the security arrangements effective.

Ulema urged to help maintain peace during the month

He directed that the lists of volunteers of licence holders should be immediately verified by the relevant institutions so that the security plan can be implemented effectively.

It was also decided in the meeting that all the relevant departments will submit certificates of early completion of Muharram arrangements and development works.

The deputy commissioner directed the relevant departments that full implementation of all security and administrative measures should be ensured for the peaceful conduct of Muharram and maintenance of peace and order.

Taxila

Rawalpindi Commissioner Engineer Aamir Khattak has urged religious scholars and leaders of all schools of thought to promote tolerance, sectarian harmony, and mutual respect by refraining from controversial and provocative speeches during Muharramul Haram to help maintain peace and stability across the district.

Chairing a meeting of the District Peace Committee on Muharram arrangements at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Attock on Friday, the commissioner emphasised the need for collective efforts to foil the designs of anti-state and terrorist elements.

He warned that no one would be allowed to disrupt peace during the month and called upon religious leaders to educate their followers about respecting religious beliefs of other sects.

The meetings were attended by Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Region Babar Sarfraz Alpa, Deputy Commissioner Attock Rao Atif Raza, District Police Officer (DPO) Attock Sardar Mowarhan Khan, members of the District Peace Committee, religious scholars, spiritual leaders, representatives of various schools of thought, assistant commissioners, law enforcement officials, and heads of relevant departments.

Participants reviewed the overall law and order situation in Attock, interfaith and inter-sect harmony, security arrangements for Muharram processions and gatherings, traffic management, sanitation, electricity supply, emergency medical services, and other administrative measures.

Commissioner Aamir Khattak said maintaining law and order during Muharram remained the Punjab government’s top priority and all relevant institutions would work in close coordination to ensure a peaceful environment.

He noted that Attock had a longstanding tradition of religious harmony and brotherhood, urging scholars and peace committee members to continue playing a constructive role in preserving it.

Briefing the meeting on security measures, RPO Babar Sarfraz Alpa said that all sensitive and highly sensitive processions and religious gatherings would remain under special surveillance. He said police, Elite Force personnel, and other law enforcement agencies would be deployed across the district, while CCTV monitoring, search-and-sweep operations, route checking, and intelligence-based security measures would be further strengthened.

Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza informed participants that administrative arrangements for Muharram were being finalized. He said officials had been mobilized in all tehsils to ensure cleanliness, drainage, street lighting, provision of safe drinking water, and other facilities along procession routes. He added that all departments would remain on high alert to respond to any emergency situation.

DPO Sardar Mowarhan Khan assured the meeting that foolproof security arrangements would be implemented throughout Muharram. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace and appealed to citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and promptly report any suspicious activity.

Members of the District Peace Committee and religious scholars appreciated the efforts of the district administration and police for maintaining peace and pledged their full cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting religious tolerance, Muslim unity, and brotherhood during Muharram-ul-Haram.

Later the officials of Rawalpindiadministrationwith district administration visited the main Imambargah in Attock Cantt andreviewed the security andcontingencyplan of Majalis and processions.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2026