KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday directed authorities to ensure foolproof security and uninterrupted civic facilities across the province for the 12th Rabiul Awwal processions and religious gatherings.
Presiding over a meeting with scholars from various schools of thought and senior officials, he said that it was the collective responsibility of the government to facilitate devotees in observing the sacred occasion in a peaceful, secure and clean environment.
Prominent religious scholars, including Haji Hanif Tayyab, Mufti Razaq Yaqoob Attari, Allama Shah Abdul Haq Qadri, Mufti Nazeer Jan Naeemi, Maulana Muhammad Akbar Dars, Allama Liaquat Hussain Al-Azhari and Qazi Ahmed Noorani, participated in the meeting and presented recommendations on security, sanitation, traffic and public services.
The chief minister listened to the scholars’ suggestions and asked relevant departments to address their concerns on a priority basis.
He praised the role of scholars from all schools of thought in promoting peace and unity.
“Our strength lies in unity. The message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is one of peace, mercy, tolerance and brotherhood. We must uphold these values and observe this blessed occasion with dignity and harmony,” he added.
The chief minister directed the police, Rangers and district administrations to implement a coordinated security plan, ensure continuous monitoring and make effective deployments for all processions and Milad gatherings.
“Protection of participants is our top priority,” he said.
The CM also instructed K-Electric, SSGC, the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation and other utility providers to ensure uninterrupted supplies of electricity, gas and water in areas around mosques, imambargahs and along procession routes.
He ordered the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, municipal bodies, district administrations and the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board to launch special cleanliness campaigns before and during the 12th Rabiul Awwal.
“Cleanliness is part of faith. Procession routes, surrounding areas and public places must be kept spotless. All drainage and sewerage issues should be resolved well before the events,” he said.
The chief minister further directed local government officials across the province to identify and immediately address damaged roads, choked drains and overflowing sewers to avoid inconvenience during the celebrations.
The meeting was attended by, among others, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Local Government Minister Nasir Shah, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Minister for Religious Affairs Riaz Shah Sheerazi, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and IG Police Javed Alam Odho. Divisional commissioners and DIGs joined via video link.
The IG police briefed the meeting on the proposed security and traffic management plans, and the establishment of a coordination mechanism for the 12th Rabiul Awwal.
In his concluding remarks, the CM directed all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, police officers and local bodies to maintain close coordination and finalise arrangements well in advance, with continuous monitoring and prompt resolution of any issues reported by organisers or the public.
Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2026
