Cabinet Committee reviews security arrangements for Muharram in Bahawalpur Division

On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, an important meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order was held at the Commissioner’s Office in Bahawalpur to review security arrangements, administrative preparations, and public facilitation measures for Muharram-ul-Haram

BAHAWALPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jun, 2026) On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, an important meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order was held at the Commissioner’s Office in Bahawalpur to review security arrangements, administrative preparations, and public facilitation measures for Muharram-ul-Haram.

The meeting was chaired by Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee Khawaja Salman Rafique, accompanied by Co-Chairman and Provincial Minister Bilal Yaseen and Provincial Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani. Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Railways MNA Mian Muhammad Usman Najeeb Owaisi, Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, Additional Inspector General (South Punjab) Muhammad Kamran Khan, Additional IG Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Wasim Sial, DIG Special Branch Sajjad Munj, Additional Secretary Internal Security, Additional Secretary Special Initiatives, Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hassan Raza, District Police Officer Rana Abdul Wahab, and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.

The committee conducted a detailed review of Muharram arrangements in the districts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan. Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia and Regional Police Officer Ghazi Muhammad Salahuddin briefed participants on the security and administrative measures put in place to ensure peaceful observance of the holy month.

According to the briefing, a total of 514 processions and 1,409 Majalis will be held across Bahawalpur Division during Muharram-ul-Haram. Authorities informed the committee that comprehensive security arrangements have been finalized for all events. To strengthen law enforcement efforts, four companies of the Pakistan Army and nine companies of Punjab Rangers will be deployed alongside the police to help maintain law and order and respond effectively to any security challenges.

Addressing the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that extraordinary security measures are being implemented throughout Punjab for Muharram and that the provincial government is utilizing all available resources to ensure peace and public safety. He emphasized that maintaining a peaceful environment during Muharram is a collective responsibility and requires cooperation from all segments of society. He further noted that the province-wide security situation is being continuously monitored through the Home Department’s central control room, while religious scholars from all schools of thought are actively promoting inter-sect harmony and unity through their sermons and public engagements.

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Provincial Minister Bilal Yaseen highlighted the government’s efforts to facilitate mourners, stating that special arrangements are being made for the establishment of water distribution points (Sabeels) and public welfare facilities along procession routes. He added that peace committees across Punjab remain fully active and are playing a constructive role in maintaining harmony and law and order. He also acknowledged the role of mosque imams and religious leaders in spreading messages of peace, tolerance, and brotherhood during Muharram.

Provincial Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani informed the meeting that Sabeels are being arranged along procession routes in all districts. He further stated that volunteers assigned to assist with Muharram gatherings and processions are undergoing mandatory training to ensure effective response and coordination in emergency situations.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi directed authorities to maintain strict vigilance against sectarian content and provocative activities. He stated that the Cyber Patrolling Cell is operating under a zero-tolerance policy toward individuals involved in spreading hate material or incitement through digital platforms. He further informed participants that the Home Department’s Muharram Online Portal is fully operational and instructed all districts to ensure the timely submission of accurate information to facilitate continuous monitoring and rapid decision-making.

Deputy Commissioners and District Police Officers from Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan also briefed the committee on district-level security plans, administrative preparations, and coordination mechanisms.

Expressing satisfaction with the arrangements made so far, the Cabinet Committee directed all departments and security agencies to continue working in close coordination and ensure that mourners are provided with every possible facility. The committee reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, protecting religious gatherings, and ensuring the smooth and dignified observance of Muharram-ul-Haram throughout the region.