By Israr Ahmad Orakzai
KOHAT: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan said that comprehensive measures were being taken to maintain law and order during Muharram in Kohat, with a focus on ensuring religious harmony, the smooth conduct of processions and the provision of essential facilities to mourners.
He made the remarks while chairing separate jirga meetings with representatives of Sunni and Shia communities held to review Muharram arrangements and the overall security situation in the district.
The meetings were attended by Deputy Commissioner Kohat Muhammad Nawaz Wazir, District Police Officer Shahbaz Elahi, retired Chief Justice Ibn Ali, representatives of MNA Shehryar Afridi, district administration officials, security personnel, religious scholars, tribal elders and civil society members.
The minister said Kohat had long been known for its traditions of religious tolerance, brotherhood and inter-sect harmony, where both Sunni and Shia communities had historically supported each other in religious and social matters. He expressed hope that Muharram this year would also be observed in the same spirit of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Officials at the meeting reviewed arrangements related to security, sanitation, traffic management, electricity, water supply and medical facilities during the month of Muharram. It was decided that cleanliness, lighting and drinking water arrangements would be ensured along procession routes as well as around mosques and imambargahs, while a special traffic plan would be implemented to maintain smooth flow of vehicles.
Shafi Jan said the government was committed to providing a secure environment for mourners and that coordination with relevant departments was ongoing to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during processions and gatherings.
He added that, in view of the intense summer heat, priority was being given to the availability of drinking water, medicines, ambulance services and other emergency facilities along key routes.
The minister directed the district police chief to further strengthen security at sensitive locations, imambargahs and procession routes, and to closely monitor any elements that could pose a threat to peace.
He warned that any attempt to incite sectarian tension or deliver inflammatory speeches would not be tolerated and strict legal action would be taken under the law.
At the conclusion of the meetings, Shafi Jan appreciated the cooperation of religious scholars, community elders, district administration, police and other institutions, saying that collective efforts were essential to maintaining peace, unity and harmony during Muharram.
