Mobile phone service to remain suspended from 8AM to 10PM on Muharram 10, pillion riding to be banned on Muharram 9 and 10
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting on Wednesday to review security arrangements throughout the province for maintaining law and order during Muharam, particularly on Yaum-e-Ashur, taking important decisions including suspension of mobile phone service and ban on pillion riding.
The meeting decided that pillion riding would be banned on Muharram 9 and 10 all over the province, and that mobile phone service would be suspended from 8AM to 10PM on Muharram 10 in the province.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that protection of life and property of the people was the top priority for the government and that there was no room for negligence or laxity in this regard. He said that Punjab government had taken all necessary measures for further improvement of law and order in the province and that indiscriminate action was being taken against those openly displaying arms. He warned that the publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred would not be tolerated at any cost and action was being taken under the law against violators. He said that the steps taken under the National Action Plan (NAP) in the province had yielded encouraging results.
The chief minister said that the country was facing a critical situation. Therefore, law enforcement agencies should remain alert for foiling nefarious designs of the enemies. He directed that the security plan evolved for Yaum-e-Ashur should be implemented in letter and spirit throughout the province and a vigilant eye should be kept on mischievous elements. He said that complete implementation of ban on pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 should be ensured. He said that special attention should be paid to the security of Imambargahs, mosques, worship places and shrines and search operation based on intelligence should be continued.
Shehbaz Sharif said that law enforcement agencies should ensure effective alternative arrangements of communication for providing information and mutual contacts. He said that the decision of establishing four-tier cordon for the protection of Majalis and processions should be fully implemented. He said that alternative arrangements of light, generators should be arranged for Majalis and mourning processions at night. He directed that the code of conduct should be implemented at every cost. The chief minister said that strict action should be taken against those who violated law banning publication and distribution of objectionable literature and provocative wall-chalking.
