Lahore: Commissioner Nauman Yousaf has directed all departments to ensure comprehensive security and civic arrangements for Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).
Chairing a divisional peace committee meeting here on Tuesday, the commissioner said religious scholars and prayer leaders had a pivotal role in maintaining peace, tolerance and interfaith harmony, urging them to promote the message of unity and love from the pulpit.
The meeting was attended by RPO Sheikhupura Range Athar Ismail, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ejaz, DIG Operations Dr Faisal Kamran, CTO Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi, members of the divisional peace committee, religious scholars and representatives of relevant departments.
Officials informed the meeting that Lahore would host 12 Chehlum processions, including two major processions, while 240 additional surveillance cameras would be installed to strengthen security. It was also decided that Sabeels for the Data Darbar Urs would be allowed at the designated former Parinda Market point.
DIG Operations Dr Faisal Kamran said Lahore Police had finalised all security arrangements for the Chehlum and Urs.
The commissioner directed WASA to identify all low-lying points along procession and Urs routes and ensure preventive drainage measures in view of the possibility of rainfall. He instructed LESCO to deploy senior officers along the procession routes to ensure electrical safety and ordered that the under-construction area in front of the Data Darbar shrine be made completely secure, declaring zero tolerance for any negligence.
He also directed all deputy commissioners to personally inspect Chehlum routes with district police officers and members of local peace committees.
Addressing the religious scholars, Nauman Yousaf said peace, tolerance and mutual religious harmony were the fundamental principles of Islam, adding that the role of ulema and imams was crucial in maintaining law and order.
The scholars assured the administration of their full cooperation and appreciated its efforts to ensure peaceful observance of the events.
RPO Sheikhupura Range Athar Ismail said comprehensive security planning had been completed across the districts and warned that strict action would be taken against elements attempting to disrupt peace.
Representatives of the Auqaf Department, LESCO, Rescue 1122, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, Safe City Authority, Health Department, TEPA, Punjab Food Authority, Lahore Parking Company and other departments also attended the meeting.