Punjab CS, IGP inspect arrangements for Muharram in Multan

LAHORE:On the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar visited Multan on Saturday to assess the security arrangements for Muharram processions and gatherings.The officials reviewed the security of the city’s central procession in Mumtazabad and inspected the monitoring systems at the control room established in the Deputy Commissioner’s office.Divisional Commissioner Aamir Khayam Khan and Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid gave briefing on the comprehensive arrangements made for Muharram. During their visit, the Chief Secretary and IGP also met with members of peace committees, community leaders, and organizers of Muharram processions and Majalis.The community representatives and peace committee members appreciated the efforts of the Punjab Government for maintaining peace and ensuring robust security during Ashura.Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman stated that under the directions of the Chief Minister, the Government of Punjab has taken ‘exemplary’ measures to promote religious harmony, peace, and brotherhood during Muharram. All departments are fully alert and working in close coordination, he added.Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar said that foolproof security is being provided for all processions and gatherings. “We are conducting intelligence-based operations in collaboration with the Special Branch, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and other security agencies. Over 108,000 police personnel have been deployed across the province for Muharram duties,” he mentioned.The IGP further emphasized that district administrations and law enforcement are in continuous coordination with religious scholars, procession organizers, and other stakeholders. “Control rooms have been set up in all districts, and live monitoring through CCTV cameras is ongoing round the clock,” he maintained.The senior officials present during the visit included Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Fawad Hashim Rabbani, Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, Additional IGP South Punjab Kamran Khan, Additional IGP CTD Waseem Sial, RPO Multan Captain (R) Sohail Chaudhry, and CPO Multan Sadiq Ali Dogar.