— CM says he will take religious scholars of different sects into confidence on security measures
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday appreciated of role played by religious scholars in maintaining sectarian harmony among the people and urged the law enforcers to ensure foolproof arrangements in the implementation of code of conduct during Muharramul Haram, beginning from Wednesday (today).
Chairing a meeting to review security arrangements during the sacred month, he expressed confidence that there existed no chance of any untoward incident due to the constructive role played by the Ulemas belonging to different schools of thought. “Yet the provincial government, in realization towards its responsibilities, would adopt strict security measures with equal attention towards implementation of the code of conduct prerequisite for peace and harmony,” he said.
Under the code of conduct, he elaborated, no criticism on any sect or sacred personalities would be allowed, while there would also be an absolute ban on purchase, sale and telecasting of hate/violent material.
For implementation of the code, he said, the provincial home department has been authorized to record speeches of prominent and leading speakers. “Restriction on hoisting of political, sectarian flags, banners at public places is also an important component of the code of conduct for Muharram. There is also complete ban on carrying weapons with provision for stringent vigilance on elements included in schedule-IV while as per code of conduct restricted use of loud speaker has been allowed.”
The chief minister said that the districts of Shikarpur, Jacoabad and Larkana are sensitive, therefore strict security measures may be taken there. At this, the DIGs of Larkana and Sukkur told the chief minister that all check posts located along with Sindh-Balochistan and Sindh-Punjab borders have been strengthened further to check movement of the people along and across the border.
“I would personally meet with the Ulema of different sects and take them into confidence on the decisions taken for their security,” The CM assured and issued clear directives to the police department to curb street crime.
Additional Inspector General (AIGP) Dr Ameer Shaikh told the chief minister that they have started an intelligence-based operation against street criminals, car lifters and bandits. This operation is expected to produce positive results within next few days, he said.
During the meeting, DIGs of all the administrative divisions of the province as well as the commissioners were taken on video call.
Sindh Home Secretary Kazi Kabir shared with the meeting components of the code of conduct developed for religious and other organisations so as to ensure law and order during Muharram. Responding to this the chief minister directed the district administration and law enforcement agencies to avert loopholes that could in any manner disturb peace, tranquility and inter-sect harmony.
Kazi Kabir mentioned that all the DIGs have been directed to assess and provide adequate security to notables till chehlum. “Peace committees’ meetings were being held at all levels,” he informed.
The AIG Police informed the meeting that that were 1,996 imambargahs in the province, of them 356 were in Karachi, 590 in Hyderabad division, 118 in Mirpurkhas, 93 Shaheed Benazirabad, 374 Sukkur and 456 in Larakana division. As per schedule, he added that there would be 3,513 processions taken out during the sacred month.