DC urges Muharram procession organisers to promote peace
He expressed these views during his visits to various Ashura procession routes, said Deputy Commissioner spokesperson on Tuesday. The administration is finalising all arrangements for the upcoming Muharram and Ashura period, aiming to ensure peaceful observances and exemplary services for the citizens.
The DC conducted detailed inspections of Ashura procession routes, including Syed Mehdi Hussain Imam Bargah and Gawal Mandi Railway Road, to personally oversee the preparations. He was accompanied by the Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, the Assistant Commissioner Shalimar, and other relevant officials.
During the visit, Assistant Commissioner Shalimar Muhammad Saqib Trazi provided a comprehensive briefing on the arrangements, confirming that Rescue 1122 teams and Clinic on Wheels services will be deployed along all Muharram and Ashura procession routes. Furthermore, medical aid camps and water stalls will be set up to cater to the needs of the participants.
The DC reiterated that the administration will maintain continuous monitoring of all religious gatherings and processions throughout Muharram-ul-Haram, stressing that no negligence in arrangements will be tolerated.
'Directives have been issued for the completion of all construction work along procession routes before the eve of Ashura. Additionally, WASA officials have been instructed to make special arrangements given the monsoon season, ensuring efficient drainage. Unnecessary obstructions and encroachments along routes are to be removed immediately,' he said, warning that strict action will be taken against violators of the Loudspeaker Act, and urged citizens to contact the District Administration Control Room at 03070002345 in case of any emergency.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt bans land travel for Arbaeen pilgrims
Listen to article The federal government banned the overland travel for pilgrims heading to Iraq for the Arbaeen, citing security concerns in the restive Balochistan province, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday. Naqvi said that the decision had been taken after consultations with the Foreign Ministry, the Balochistan government, and the security agencies, adding that the pilgrims would be allowed to travel to Iraq only by air. Arbaeen, marking the 40th day of mourning after Ashura, sees millions of pilgrims, including thousands from Pakistan, travel to Karbala, Iraq, annually. Traditionally, many Pakistani pilgrims journey by road through Balochistan and Iran. However, due to the deteriorating law and order situation in the province — including increased terrorist attacks by Indian proxy outfits — the government deemed the move necessary for public safety and national security. "After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan Government, and security agencies, it has been decided that Zaireen will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year," Naqvi posted on X. "Zaireen will, however, be able to travel by air. Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to arrange maximum flights to facilitate their pilgrimage in the coming days," he added. "This difficult decision was taken in the interest of public safety and national security." On the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for arranging flights to facilitate the pilgrims, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced four special flights from Karachi between August 8 and 11, with return flights from Najaf scheduled from August 18 to 21. According to a PIA spokesperson the fare has been set at Rs212,000 per person, and the ticket sales had started. He added that more flights could be scheduled if necessary. Officials said passengers traveling by air individually will have to be sponsored by local people, otherwise they cannot enter Iraq. Meanwhile, private airlines have sharply increased fares, with tickets now ranging between Rs300,000 to Rs350,000. Tour operators estimate group travel expenses at $1,400 per pilgrim, compared to just $550 for land travel. This has raised fears that tens of thousands of low-income pilgrims might be unable to afford the journey. Salars — pilgrim group leaders — argue that the ban that has been announced just 15 days before Arbaeen has caused significant financial losses. They said that many people had already made advance payments for visas, vehicle certifications, and hotel bookings. They demanded that the government allowed supervised bus convoys under security agencies' protection or provide alternative transport arrangements. "This loss isn't borne by the rich but by the poor," a pilgrimage organiser told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymously. He questioned why the ban wasn't announced earlier during a recent trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq, where travel restrictions were discussed. During a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi briefed him on Balochistan's security situation and the new pilgrim policy. The prime minister directed for the initiation of the Gwadar Safe City project to enhance security in the region. Naqvi emphasised the need for better pilgrim management. Starting next year, he said, the pilgrims will only be allowed to travel under officially registered group organisers, with special embassy-issued visas required for independent travel. This system aims to curb illegal travel and overstaying issues. Meanwhile, Naqvi also visited Quetta and Azad Kashmir. In Quetta, he paid tribute to martyred soldiers at the Frontier Corps headquarters, praising their sacrifices in maintaining peace. Later, in Muzaffarabad, he met the family of Major Rab Nawaz, a martyred officer, and offered condolences.
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Air travel to continue: Road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims banned
ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday that Pakistani citizens would be prohibited from travelling to Iran and Iraq by road for this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage due to ongoing security concerns. The minister announced the decision through a post on X, following a detailed briefing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the prime minister instructed the Aviation Minister to facilitate the pilgrims by arranging special flights to Iran and Iraq. The meeting also delved into the prevailing law and order situation in the volatile Balochistan province, with the prime minister urging the interior minister to expedite the implementation of the Gwadar Safe City project. In a post on X, Naqvi explained that the decision was made after comprehensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and various security agencies. 'This difficult decision has been taken in the interest of public safety and national security,' he added. However, Naqvi confirmed that pilgrims would still be allowed to travel by air, and this move is expected to ease some concerns amid heightened security threats in regions bordering Afghanistan and Iran. Earlier in May, Pakistan and Iran had agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure the smooth movement of religious pilgrims. This agreement includes keeping their shared border open 24 hours a day during Muharram and Safar, including the Arbaeen period. As part of the agreement, both countries have committed to increasing the number of flights available for pilgrims and have also explored the possibility of sea travel to alleviate congestion at land crossings. Tehran has also pledged to provide accommodation and meals for up to 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad during the peak season. Pakistan has faced a rise in terrorist attacks in recent years, particularly in the border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, further complicating the safe passage of pilgrims during religious events. Each year, approximately 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iraq to commemorate Arbaeen, a significant religious event marking the 40th day of mourning after the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in Karbala. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PAJCCI hails Pakistan-Afghanistan PTA
PESHAWAR: Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has welcomed signing of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Afghanistan aimed at increasing bilateral trade through reduction in tariffs on different items. 'PTA signing is a very welcoming development in regard with enhancing trade between the two brotherly neighbouring countries, but for increasing commerce and trade at regional level, both the countries should have to take a further step of signing Free Trade Agreement (FTA),' observed Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, Senior Vice President PAJCCI. In a statement here on Sunday, Zia Sarhadi who is also Executive Member Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) said agreements for enhancing bilateral and regional trade is the need of the hour for overcoming the economic crisis faced by the country. It merits a mention here that Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday have signed the much-awaited Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). According to this agreement, Pakistan will reduce tariffs on four items including grapes, pomegranates, apples, and tomatoes. Afghanistan will reduce tariffs on four items including mangoes, oranges, bananas, and potatoes. Previously, the tariffs on these items were over 60%, but will now be reduced to 27%. This one-year agreement will come into effect on August 1, 2025. It can be extended in the future and additional items may also be included. SVP PAJCCI expressed the hope that PTA signing will increase import and export in both the countries, benefiting thousands of people on both sides of the border. He appreciated the decision and said such a prudent approach should help in overcoming economic problems being faced by people in both the countries. Zia Sarhadi expressed the hope that both Pakistan and Afghanistan will soon agree on signing of FTA for tapping the trade potential between the two countries and for boosting trade at regional level. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
