Dera ismail khan: The collective efforts of security forces, civil administration, religious scholars, peace committees and local residents in ensuring the peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram were acknowledged at a thanksgiving ceremony hosted by the district administration on Wednesday, where speakers pledged to build on the spirit of unity and cooperation to promote lasting peace in the region.
The ceremony, held at a local marriage hall, was attended by Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Division Dawood Khan, Regional Police Officer Ghulam Mubashir Mekan, General Officer Commanding-40 Division Major General Mudassar Saeed, Station Commander Brigadier Abu Bakar, Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah Khan, senior officials of the civil administration, police, Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies, along with religious scholars from different schools of thought, members of peace committees, elected representatives and civil society members.
The participants paid tribute to all institutions and volunteers who worked tirelessly to maintain law and order during the holy month of Muharram.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Dawood Khan said Dera Ismail Khan remained one of the most sensitive districts during Muharram due to its complex security environment.
He said comprehensive security and administrative planning had begun a month in advance, while close coordination among all departments, timely decision-making, continuous monitoring and public cooperation ensured that all processions and religious gatherings concluded peacefully.
He said the same spirit of unity should continue throughout the year to strengthen sustainable peace and social harmony.
He also credited religious scholars, peace committee members, volunteers, traders, media representatives and citizens for their responsible role and unwavering support to the administration.
Regional Police Officer Ghulam Mubashir Mekan said the peaceful conclusion of Muharram was a blessing and the result of coordinated efforts by all stakeholders. He said integrated control rooms, modern surveillance systems, enhanced security at sensitive locations, effective intelligence sharing and strong inter-agency coordination played a key role in maintaining peace.
He praised the dedication of police personnel and other security agencies and appreciated the public for extending full cooperation to law enforcement authorities. He said that the professional planning, timely strategy and public trust remained the cornerstone of lasting peace.
General Officer Commanding-40 Division Major General Mudassar Saeed said the peaceful atmosphere in Dera Ismail Khan reflected the joint commitment of the armed forces, civil administration, law enforcement agencies, religious leaders and the public.
He said the district had demonstrated that even the most sensitive occasions could be managed successfully through mutual trust, national unity and coordinated planning. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s continued support for the civil administration in safeguarding peace.
The other speakers stressed that the atmosphere of inter-sect harmony, tolerance and mutual respect witnessed during Muharram should be sustained throughout the year.
They urged educational institutions, religious leaders, the media and civil society to continue promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among the younger generation.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for lasting peace, national prosperity and the country’s progress.