Lahore: Lahore Commissioner Numan Yousaf reviewed security, monitoring and civic arrangements for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the annual Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), here on Tuesday.
He directed officials to ensure foolproof security, effective monitoring and uninterrupted public facilitation during the religious events.
The commissioner visited the District Administration’s Central Monitoring and Control Centre at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Karbala Gamay Shah Chowk, Data Sahib Chowk, procession routes and security buffer zones. He also inspected safety measures at under-construction sites, cleanliness arrangements, security deployment and monitoring systems.
During the visit to the central control room, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ejaz briefed the commissioner on the monitoring mechanism. He informed him that district administration cameras were providing live surveillance of the Chehlum procession routes and the Data Darbar Urs, with live feeds also being shared with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. Hundreds of additional surveillance cameras had also been installed at sensitive locations.
The commissioner directed officials to keep special safety barriers around under-construction areas under constant monitoring and deploy volunteer guides to assist mourners and pilgrims with route guidance.
During his visit to Karbala Gamay Shah Chowk, Numan Yousaf ordered the installation of additional Jersey barriers to further strengthen security along the procession route.
He also inspected the milk distribution point (Sabeel) at Data Darbar and directed authorities to maintain cleanliness in the area at all times.
The commissioner said WASA drainage teams and machinery had been deployed at key locations, while monitoring, rescue, medical cover, lighting and drainage arrangements had been fully ensured. He said all measures had been taken in line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ensure peaceful observance of the Chehlum and Urs, adding that representatives of all relevant departments remained present at both field locations and the central control room to ensure prompt response in accordance with government instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs).