Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday appreciated the peaceful conduct of Ashura processions nationwide, praising the chief ministers of all provinces and law enforcement agencies for ensuring effective security.
“The peaceful and smooth observance of Youm-e-Ashur was made possible due to the effective and professional planning of the provincial governments and security agencies,” he said during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Naqvi outlined the measures taken by law enforcement and security agencies to ensure public safety during the religious observance. Expressing satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of Ashura processions across Pakistan, Sharif particularly commended the efforts of all four chief ministers, as well as praising the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The premier also appreciated the role of police, provincial administrations, Rangers, and security forces in maintaining law and order.
The interior minister said all necessary steps had been taken to ensure security and facilitate the public during Ashura. Sharif appreciated Naqvi for his role in efficiently overseeing the arrangements at the federal level.
Peaceful conduct
Processions marking the 10th of Muharram concluded peacefully across the country amidst stringent security arrangements, including limited suspension of mobile services in restive areas. According to the Interior Ministry, the day saw 4,836 processions and 5,480 majalis nationwide, with 1,301 areas declared highly sensitive.
Of these, Sindh had 1,040 majalis and 1,039 processions; Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had 735 majalis and 257 processions; Balochistan held 32 majalis and 24 processions; Gilgit-Baltistan 1,070 majalis and 141 processions; Azad Kashmir 47 majalis and 41 processions; Punjab 2,502 majalis and 3,025 processions; and Islamabad 54 majalis and 12 processions.
To support provincial efforts, the Interior Ministry established a central monitoring cell in Islamabad to oversee the strict security measures in place for Ashura.