QUETTA: Commissioner Quetta Division, Shahzeb Khan Kakar, has directed comprehensive arrangements for security, cleanliness, electricity, water supply, and other civic facilities during Muharram-ul-Haram, especially for Ashura processions and gatherings.
A detailed review meeting was held in this regard, attended by DIG Quetta Imran Shoakat, Deputy Commissioner Quetta Mehrullah Badini, officials from police, FC, law enforcement agencies, various government departments, and representatives of the Shia Conference.
Commitment to Peaceful Observance of Muharram
Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Shahzeb Kakar said that Muharram-ul-Haram is a sacred and respected month for all schools of thought, and providing maximum security and facilitation to mourners is the administration’s top priority. He said the purpose of the meeting was to ensure timely resolution of issues and effective arrangements during the holy month.
Representatives of the Shia Conference highlighted their concerns and requirements regarding Muharram arrangements, to which the Commissioner assured that all legitimate demands would be addressed on a priority basis.
Instructions to Civic Departments
The Commissioner directed the Metropolitan Corporation, PHE, and WASA to immediately complete cleaning of procession routes, drainage systems, road repairs, and patchwork. He also ordered the repair of streetlights and ensured proper lighting at processions and congregation sites.
Power, Gas, and Health Arrangements
The meeting instructed Quetta Electric Supply Company to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply particularly on the 7th, 9th, and 10th of Muharram. The Sui Southern Gas Company was directed to improve gas supply scheduling.
The Health Department was instructed to impose emergency measures in all government hospitals, ensuring availability of additional medical staff, ambulances, medicines, and first aid facilities. WASA was also directed to ensure continuous water supply and keep water tankers ready where needed.
Security Measures and Monitoring Plan
Regarding security, Commissioner Kakar said that police, FC, and other law enforcement agencies will jointly monitor all Muharram events under a coordinated strategy. Special security will be provided to processions coming from areas such as Mach and Dgari from arrival to departure.
He added that major processions, gatherings, and religious events in Quetta city will be placed under strict surveillance, with additional personnel deployed at sensitive locations to maintain peace and order.
Central Control Room to Be Established
It was decided that a central control room will be set up at the Deputy Commissioner Office Quetta, where representatives from the administration, police, and other agencies will remain on 24-hour duty to respond immediately to any emergency situation.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that all available resources will be utilized to ensure security, facilitation, and peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram.