Sindh home minister warns against lapses in Muharram security

KARACHI,: Sindh’s home Thursday said that negligence in security arrangements during Muharram will not be tolerated, as provincial authorities finalized plans to safeguard processions and religious gatherings across the province.

Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar chaired a high-level meeting at the Central Police Office in Karachi to review law and order and security measures for Muharram 1448H/2026.

Officials examined contingency plans, intelligence coordination, crowd protection, and emergency response mechanisms.

Lanjar said maintaining peace during Muharram is the government’s top priority and directed police, Rangers, and district administrations to strengthen their security strategies. He emphasized special attention to sensitive processions and gatherings, warning that lapses would face strict consequences.

The minister ordered intensified intelligence-based operations and search activities to counter potential threats. He stressed strict enforcement of the Home Department’s code of conduct and urged continuous coordination with peace committees, clerics, and procession organizers.

Lanjar also instructed senior police officials to monitor inflammatory or sectarian content on social media and at public gatherings. He called for immediate legal action against those inciting violence or spreading hate speech.

Authorities were told to keep CCTV monitoring systems, command centers, and emergency units fully operational. The minister directed the use of drones for aerial surveillance of procession routes and traffic management, saying modern technology would strengthen security.

Sindh Inspector General Javed Alam Odho briefed the meeting, noting enhanced bomb disposal sweeps, snap checks, and monitoring along procession routes. He said coordination between Safe City systems, district control rooms, and police headquarters would ensure rapid response.

Additional IG Karachi reported that comprehensive security arrangements in the city had been finalized.

Lanjar reaffirmed that the Sindh government and law enforcement agencies would deploy all available resources to maintain peace, promote religious harmony, and protect lives and property during Muharram.

The meeting was attended by senior police officials in Karachi, while DIGs and SSPs from other districts joined via video link.