Mayor Sukkur & Sindh Govt Spokesperson Barrister Arsalan Briefs Media on Muharram Arrangements

SUKKUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jun, 2026) Aaddressing a press briefing on the occasion of Ashura, Mayor Sukkur and Sindh Government Spokesperson Barrister Arsalan islam Shaikh said that serving mourners of Imam Hussain (AS), ensuring facilities, and maintaining foolproof security across Sindh, particularly in Sukkur, during the ten days of Muharram-ul-Haram remained the Sindh Government’s top priority.

He stated that, in line with the clear directives and people-centric policy of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, it is our responsibility to serve citizens from every religion, sect, school of thought, and class without discrimination.

In the same spirit, every possible facility was provided to mourners during Muharram.

Barrister Arsalan said that in view of extreme heat and the heatwave, more than 50 sabeels were set up across Sukkur where mourners were provided cold water, beverages, and other essential facilities.

Continuous road washing was arranged on all main procession routes to reduce the intensity of heat. A special misting system with 600 nozzles was installed at Clock Tower Ghar for the main Ashura procession to protect mourners from severe heat.

On security, he said a total of 2,258 police officers and personnel were deployed across Sukkur district, while more than 800 police personnel were specifically assigned to the main Ashura procession. He added that Provincial Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar personally visited Sukkur, reviewed the arrangements, and directed that there should be no lapse in the safety and facilitation of mourners.

He further said that a large number of lady police personnel were deployed for the convenience of female mourners. Rangers and other law enforcement agencies also extended full cooperation. A modern monitoring system, including drone surveillance, is active to deal with any emergency, and over 30 CCTV cameras are continuously monitoring Ghanta Ghar and various points along the procession route.

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Regarding health facilities, he said more than 535 health workers and medical staff have been deployed. A total of 557 beds, 53 ambulances, 76 medical camps, and 7 control rooms are operational 24/7 to ensure immediate medical aid in any emergency. He commended the Health Department, all hospitals, MSs, DHOs, and especially the administration of Ziauddin Hospital for their full cooperation in serving mourners.

He added that all necessary arrangements have been completed on procession and majlis routes, including street lights, infrastructure improvements, development work around Imambargahs, installation of industrial fans, Sabeel-e-Imam Hussain (AS), separate washrooms for women and men, and a shuttle service, to ensure maximum comfort for mourners.

Barrister Arsalan also lauded SEPCO’s performance, saying full cooperation was extended to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Muharram. Standby generators have also been installed at procession and majlis venues in case of any possible disruption.

Referring to the tragic incident on 9th Muharram, he said four people lost their lives in Kandhkot, which we deeply regret. The injured were provided immediate and free medical treatment. Most have recovered and returned home, while one injured person is still under treatment, for whose speedy recovery we pray.

In conclusion, he said the central Ashura procession holds historic significance and prayed that all mourning ceremonies conclude peacefully with Allah’s grace. He reaffirmed that, in line with the PPP leadership’s vision, the journey of serving the public without discrimination will continue with the same commitment in the future.