Sindh Police requires hosts of Muharram majalis, processions to renew licenses

Police have decided to ask the organisers of majalis, mourning processions and other religious activities during Muharram-ul-Haram to get their licences renewed so that better security arrangements can be planned after analysing the number of events and venues.

The decision was announced at a meeting, which was chaired by Sindh IGP A.D. Khowaja and by AIGs, DIGs, SSPs and other senior officers across the province, held at the Central Police Office on Tuesday.
“It was decided that each and every organiser of majalis and rallies will be required to renew their licenses and also give an undertaking to strictly comply with approved timings,” said an official statement issued following the meeting. “Communication strategy to ensure close coordination among law enforcers prior to commencement, during and following the conclusion of these religious gatherings in different districts of the province was also finalised in the meeting. Senior officers from different areas of the province extensively discussed security and contingency plans for key venues of majalis, procession routes for mourners’ rallies and other related activities.”
The police chief, the statement added, urged the officials to take on board notables belonging to different sects with regard to a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring sectarian harmony during Muharram.
“The meeting also discussed adequate use of available force in different cities and towns across the province supplemented by the formation of peace committee at each police station level,” said the statement. “The officers were asked to strictly handle elements involved in distribution of provocative literature or objectionable wall chalking. Implementation of Loudspeaker Act was also ordered to be ensured.”