LAHORE: The Punjab government has set up control rooms in all districts and is monitoring majalis and processions to ensure security arrangements.

According to reports, as many as 33,356 majalis would be held and 8,674 processions would be taken out in the province during the holy month.

Chief Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar on Sunday visited the central control room established in Civil Secretariat to monitor law and order and reviewed security arrangements. The chief secretary was told that 32 violations of code of conduct had been reported from different cities and nine cases so far registered.

The chief secretary said the protection of life and property of people was the prime responsibility of the government, adding that all possible steps be taken for maintaining environment of national solidarity, religious harmony and brotherhood during the month.

He said the law-enforcement agencies should work in tandem with each other and remain alert to deal with any situation. He ordered implementation of code of conduct for Muharram and action be taken against violators without any discrimination.

The chief secretary was briefed that majalis and processions were regularly being monitored at central control room in the Civil Secretariat as well as at control rooms set up in all districts to monitor law and order.

As many as 6,560 Army and 3,120 Rangers personnel whereas 232,328 police officials and 138,335 volunteers are performing duties for security. The additional chief secretary (home), Lahore commissioner and deputy commissioner, the DIG Operations and other officers concerned were present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2019