PM directs authorities to ensure security during Muharram

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure strict law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram processions and majalis across the country.

While chairing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Interior Minister to coordinate with provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to maintain peace and security throughout the month.

The premier praised the government’s economic team, especially Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, for their dedication in preparing Pakistan’s federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. He also expressed gratitude to the federal cabinet and allied political parties for their collective support in finalising the budget.

Speaking about the Middle East conflict, Sharif highlighted the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a crucial step towards preventing further escalation in the region. He thanked God for the peaceful resolution and recognised the role of several countries, including Saudi Arabia, in facilitating the ceasefire.

Shehbaz further noted that Iran had expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in the ceasefire. “The Iranian leadership specifically named the President of Pakistan—myself, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir—for their contribution to the ceasefire efforts,” he said.

Regarding Iran’s attack on Qatar, he reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation and reaffirmed the country’s strong ties with Qatar.

Earlier, the Cabinet offered Fateha (prayers) for Major Moiz Abbas Shah Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in South Waziristan.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also chaired a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday to review the nationwide security plan for Muharram.

The meeting assessed the security arrangements for all provinces, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, in preparation for the upcoming religious observances, according to a statement from the Press Information Department (PID).

The government has decided to launch a crackdown on elements spreading religious hatred on social media during Muharram. “Strict legal action will be taken against those involved,” said Naqvi, emphasising the need for a comprehensive strategy to curb hate content on electronic and social media platforms.

Recommendations will be sent to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to monitor and prevent the spread of hate speech, the statement added.

The statement also mentioned that the meeting discussed the possibility of suspending internet or mobile phone services in certain areas if the security situation deteriorates. Naqvi assured that such decisions would be made in consultation with the relevant provincial authorities and based on ground realities and security concerns.

“The Federal Government will extend full support to all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to maintain law and order,” Naqvi affirmed. He stressed that no one would be allowed to incite violence or disrupt peace during Muharram.

The meeting agreed on the use of modern technology to monitor Muharram processions and gatherings. The Interior Minister instructed that strict enforcement of the Muharram code of conduct would be ensured, the statement concluded.

Top officials, including the IGPs and Home Secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, briefed Naqvi on their respective security plans. The meeting also included participation from law enforcement agencies, including Rangers, police, and the Ministry of Interior.