Lahore: At the direction of the Chief Minister of Punjab, the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order conducted a visit to Sahiwal to oversee the security preparations for the 782nd Urs of Hazrat Fariduddin Masood Ganj Shakar. The committee, led by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, reviewed the routes of the main processions and engaged with local administration to ensure comprehensive arrangements.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab announcement issued on 10 July 2024, the visit included inspections of the main procession that will start from Imambargah Qasr Batul and conclude at the Karbala tent. The committee set up two control rooms to monitor the event—one at the Deputy Commissioner’s office and another along the procession route. Key figures such as Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rahman, Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, and Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, along with law enforcement authorities, participated in these reviews.

Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized that the security and logistical preparations for all 1,749 Majlis and 461 processions within the Sahiwal Division have been finalized. Additional security measures include the districting of 77 reciters and speakers, the zoning of 64 locations, and the inclusion of 74 individuals in the Fourth Schedule for close monitoring. During the critical period of 7th to 10th Muharram, eight companies of Army and Rangers will be deployed to maintain order and ensure the safety of participants.

The committee affirmed that these measures reflect a broader provincial strategy to promote inter-Muslim unity and uphold peace during Muharram, underlining the adherence to SOPs issued by the Home Department for public gatherings.