LAHORE: The Punjab home department has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for majalis and processions for the maintenance of peace and order before, during and after Muharram.

The department has instructed to ensure a three-layer security cover for all majalis by allocating one entrance and exit route as well as installation of walk-through gates at all sensitive places.

Organisers will ensure physical security check before the majalis and every citizen coming to the majlis must be checked through a metal detector. Similarly, CCTV cameras should be installed for capturing every person while entering majalis.

A home department spokesman says the administration is directed to ensure foolproof security arrangements for all imambargahs and majalis during Muharram. Similarly, it has been made mandatory that the loudspeaker should be used only within the limits of the majalis and time restrictions should be observed.

The SOPs also require that the health department ensure checking before the distribution of niaz, langar nd sabeel. Likewise, the organisers will ensure that the Zaakirs deliver non-controversial speeches.

It has also been directed that car parking should be made at a distance of at least 200 metres from the majlis. The home department has also directed the peace committees should play their role for the peaceful observance of Muharram.

ARRANGEMENTS: The district administration held a meeting on Wednesday to review the municipal arrangements for Muharram.

Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood chaired the meeting, with DC Rafia Haider, Additional Commissioner Abdul Salam Arif, CTO Amara Athar and officers from all other allied departments in attendance.

Commissioner Maqsood said a central control room would be established at the DC office for monitoring. He said Lesco would be on alert to prevent electric current in the poles due to rain during Muharram, and hanging electric wires would be removed from all procession routes.

He said with the monsoon coinciding with Muharram, Wasa should complete drainage arrangements around the routes of processions and gatherings. Continuous electricity supply should be ensured, with backup generators arranged in case of power trips or outages.

The commissioner said the DC control room will be equipped with 1,480 cameras, and patchwork is being carried out on the routes of important Muharram processions in Lahore. He emphasised the need for adequate lighting behind plugged streets for Muharram processions and gatherings, and stressed the importance of checking chemical and cylinder shops, particularly in areas around Muharram processions and gatherings. A security plan has been devised for Muharram in Lahore, with strict surveillance of hotspots.

He said the traffic police will issue daily advisories according to Muharram routes, and teams of emergency services and administrative officers will accompany the processions.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2024