Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday arrived at Lahore’s Civil Secretariat where he visited the central control room of the Home Department for monitoring security arrangements across the province during the month of Muharram. Mohsin Naqvi reviewed the security arrangements for the processions and Majalis of Muharram across the province from the central control room. He closely and in detail observed the monitoring arrangements in the central control room. “Geo-tagging of Majlis and processions have been carried out across Punjab,” he said. “As many as 502 places in Punjab have been declared sensitive. A code of conduct has been issued, and legal action will be taken on violation of the code,” he added. “The assistance of the Pakistan Army has also been sought in security arrangements. Majlis and processions are being monitored through CCTV cameras,” he stated. “The law enforcement agencies should be vigilant. The security should be on high alert till the end of Muharram,” he added. “All resources should be utilised to ensure peace in the province.

The provincial ministers have also been assigned the responsibility of monitoring the law and order situation,” he averred. “Every possible measure is being taken to promote brotherhood and religious harmony among the people during Muharram,” he maintained. The chief minister was briefed by the additional chief secretary (home) about the security arrangements. He was told that special arrangements had been made for CCTV coverage, dashboard and media monitoring in the central control room. He was also told that the central control room had been linked to the divisional and district control rooms. “Restrictions on the movement of persons included in the Fourth Schedule and intelligence-based operations are being conducted across the province,” the chief minister was briefed. “More than 100,000 policemen have been deployed for the security of 37,000 congregations throughout Punjab during the first 10 days of Muharram. 70,000 police volunteers have also been deployed for security. The additional police force has been deployed at mosques, Imambargahs and other places of religious gatherings,” the chief minister was briefed further. The Punjab chief secretary, Lahore capital city police officer (CCPO) and other police officers concerned were present on the occasion.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)