KARACHI: Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed all concerned departments to ensure foolproof security, uninterrupted civic services, and comprehensive administrative measures for mourning processions and religious gatherings (majalis) across the province.

The orders were issued during a high-level meeting held at the CM House to review arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram and which was presided over by the chief minister.

The session was attended by Provincial Ministers Nasir Hussain Shah, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, and Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, IG Police Javed Alam Odho, provincial secretaries, the CEO of the Water Board, and other concerned officials.

Representatives of the religious community, including leaders of the Jafaria Alliance — Allama Baqar Hussain Zaidi, Syed Shabar Raza Zaidi, Syed Nadeem Hyder, Hassan Saghir Abdi, Syed Ali Sadaqain and other scholars — also attended the meeting and presented their recommendations regarding Muharram arrangements.

The chief minister reviewed security measures for majalis and mourning processions and emphasised that maintaining law and order and facilitating mourners would remain the government’s top priority during Muharram.

“Any negligence or lapse in Muharram arrangements will not be tolerated,” he said, directing all departments to remain fully alert and ensure effective coordination.

Earlier, the chief minister listened to the suggestions given by the religious leaders at the meeting and incorporated them all into the plan.

The chief minister instructed K-Electric, HESCO and SEPCO to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during majalis and processions and avoid loadshedding during religious events.

He also directed local and municipal authorities to complete cleanliness drives along procession routes, improve street lighting, ensure the availability of drinking water, and enhance drainage and sewerage systems to prevent inconvenience to mourners.

The CM instructed the police and district administrations to make comprehensive security arrangements at all sensitive locations.

He directed the IG Police to implement a comprehensive security and traffic management plan. “Smooth traffic flow should be ensured while facilitating participants in religious gatherings and processions”, he said.

The chief minister said the government would utilise all available resources to safeguard the lives and property of citizens across the province.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026