TAXILA: The civil administration and police have finalised security, traffic management and municipal arrangements for Muharram with authorities pledging to ensure the peacefulobservance of religious gatherings and processions acrossTaxila.
The preparations were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Chairman of Standing Committee on Finance and Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Mohsin Ayub Khan at the Municipal Committee Taxila, while separate field inspections of major procession routes were conducted bySenior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Malik Tariq Mehboob.
Participants of the meeting reviewed security arrangements, traffic diversion plans, sanitation measures, procession routes and coordination mechanisms designed to facilitate mourners and maintain law and order.
Addressing the meeting, the MPA directed all departments to ensure foolproof security, uninterrupted civic services and effective traffic management, stressing that the safety and convenience of mourners remained the administration’s foremost priority.
He instructed officials to strengthen communication among departments and complete all arrangements well before major Muharram events.
He also emphasised the need for specialcleanliness campaigns along procession routes, timely road repairs, removal of encroachments and the clearance of hanging electricity and commun i e a t i o n wires that could pose safety hazards.
The MPA said the local administration and security agencies would remain on high alert throughout Muharram, adding that every possible measure would be taken to provide a peaceful and secure environment for citizens and mourners.
Meanwhile, the SSP operations inspected the routes designated for the 10th and 13th Muharram processions.
During the visit, he reviewed deployment plans, access control arrangements and security measures to be implemented along procession routes and at venues hosting majalis.The SSP directed officers to enforce strict security protocols, including the installation of walk-through gates and mandatory body searches for participants entering majalis and processions.
He also ordered the sealing of adjoining streets and roads linked to procession routes to prevent unauthorised access and enhance overall security.
‘The Punjab government’s standard operatingprocedures and code of conduct will be implemented in letter and spirit,’ he said.
Police officials said special security plans had been devised for major religious gatherings, featuring enhanced surveillance, strict access control and close coordination among law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and public order.