Amna Afzal
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and holds great significances of the martyrs of Karbula which are remembered by the Muslims in world wide. It commemorates the stardom of Immam Hussain, the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH and his followers in the battle of Kurbala. Muharram is a time of mourning and reflection marked by processions, Majalis (gatherings) and followers of Imam e Ali Muqam all over the world demonstrate their deep affection with the martyrs of Kurbala. Specially during the Aushora e Muharra, government always planned stringent security measures for the safety and protection of the participation of congregations. The Punjab Government under the command of Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi has adopted fool proof security plan of screening and monitoring of all important places throughout the Province for the protection of lives and properties of the people. Security checks and surveillance policies play vital role in maintaining peace and tranquility during religious gatherings. Muharram isdeeply rooted in Islamic history and hold immense religious significance. It is observed by the Muslims of all over the world. The Punjab government in the Province has implemented several operating procedures (SOPs) for Muharram to ensures peace and harmony among the believers of different sects. Police and Law enforcing agencies have been targeted to keep a vigil eye on the miscreants who wants to get benefit of such occasions by carrying out terrorist activities. Such nefarious elements create sentiments of haters by false propaganda and objectionable speeches. A special Cabinet Committee has also been constituted to coordinate with the local administration of the Province and ulemas of all sects to play their active role in maintain peace and tranquility during the month of Muharram. Special traffic management plans have been chalked out to facilitate the participants of Processions and minimize congestion. Various diversionshave been planned to prevent traffic jams and ensure, smooth flow of traffic in and around procession areas.Security checkpoints had also been planned besides declaring alternate routes of traffic. Government of Punjab authorize by security forces, police, rangers and paramilitary forces besides establishing a network of CCTVsfor monitoring. All the related government department had been directed to extended the facilities to the participants of processions and majalis so that Ashura e Muharram could be observed with religious sanctity and harmony.