Bahawalpur: Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Dr Ayesha Khan chaired a meeting of the District Emergency Board to review security and arrangements for Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
Officials informed the meeting that 56 religious gatherings (Majalis) would be held across the district during Chehlum, including six B-category and 50 C-category events. A total of 30 processions are scheduled, comprising one A-category, eight B-category, and 21 C-category processions.
The meeting decided that the police and other law enforcement agencies would ensure comprehensive security arrangements for all gatherings and processions. Technical sweeping of procession routes will also be carried out before the events.
Dr Ayesha Khan directed the authorities to prohibit vehicle parking within a 500-yard radius of Majalis venues. She instructed MEPCO to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply and immediately remove hanging power lines along procession routes. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and the Municipal Corporation were directed to ensure cleanliness, restore streetlights, and cover all open manholes and drains on procession routes. The Health Department and Rescue 1122 were instructed to keep field hospitals, ambulances, fire brigade units, and other emergency services on high alert throughout the observance.
The Punjab Food Authority was directed to inspect food distributed at Niaz and Sabeel points to ensure the provision of safe and hygienic food and beverages.
During a briefing on the flood situation, officials informed the meeting that water flow and conditions at Ganda Singh Wala, Sulemanki, and Islam Headworks on the Sutlej River remained normal. As a precaution, five flood rescue posts have been established at Islam Headworks, Head Panjnad, Rasoolpur Shakarani, Mangwana Pattan, and Mari Qasim Shah to respond promptly to any emergency.
The meeting was further informed that rescue vehicles had been serviced, special duty rosters had been prepared, and the district control room would remain operational around the clock with officers on duty to coordinate immediate emergency response.