Pakistan

Army to be deployed across country for Muharram security

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

Army deployed at request of provincial governments.
Sindh govt bans pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10.
It has also banned unauthorised gatherings in province.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government Thursday approved the deployment of armed forces across the country to ensure security during the holy month of Muharram.

The authorities in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir had sought the deployment of the military to control the law and order situation.

Following up on their request, the Centre — under Article 245 of the Constitution — authorised the “deployment of army troops/assets and civil armed forces troops/assets” to ensure peace.

The holy month, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year 1445 AH, will begin today (July 20) and the Youm-e-Ashura will be observed on July 29 (Saturday).

A notification from the interior ministry mentioned that the exact number of troops, date, and area of deployment of the army would be worked out by the local authorities.

The law enforcement agencies and local authorities have, apart from seeking army, made tight security arrangements to ensure no untoward situation takes place.

During the holy month of Muharram, believers hold large gatherings and processions across the country, with major processions taking place on the 10th and 9th of Muharram.

The request from the provincial governments was reportedly made amid worsening law and order situation as the country witnessed a surge in terror activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Pakistan has time and again raised the issue of terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan and has reminded Tabilan rulers of their commitments made in the Doha deal of not allowing their soil for militant activities.

On Monday, the top brass of the Pakistan Army was briefed in detail about the prevailing internal security environment and took notice of the spike in terrorism.

“The sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP and other groups of that ilk in a neighbouring country and availability of latest weapons to the terrorists were noted as major reasons impacting the security of Pakistan,” the military said after the 258th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ.

Pillion riding banned across Sindh

The Government of Sindh, in light of Muharram, has also taken several measures — under Section 144 of the CrPC — to ensure the Muharram activities continue uninterrupted.

In a notification, the Sindh Home Department said it had banned people — except uniform staff, police, rangers, and LEAs — from carrying arms/ammunition of all types.

“Misuse” of loudspeakers has been banned, while people have been warned against putting up objectionable and provocative posters, banners, distribution of leaflets and wall chalking.

The home department also banned playing cable transmission and VCRs at hotels and public places. No person should be on rooftops of buildings, homes, etc, when a mourning procession is moving by that area.

New mourning processions, rallies, majalis, and jalsa without prior permission have also been banned. At the same time, no more than five people can gather except if they are partaking in Muharram processions, majlis, and tazia.

Pillion riding has also been banned from Muharram 9th to 10th, while women, children below the age of 12 years, senior citizens, disabled persons, journalists, LEAs, and essential services personnel have been exempted.

Latest News

To stop begging in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan would implement a stringent Umrah regulation.

Published

21 hours ago

Farwa

The action, according to details, is intended to stop the begging mafia from damaging Pakistan’s reputation in the holy land.

As part of its severe efforts against beggars, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has planned to require pilgrims to sign an affidavit vowing not to beg before leaving for Umrah. Those who violate this affidavit will face strict legal action.

Umrah pilgrims will not be permitted to travel alone; they must travel in groups in order to further discourage begging. This measure ensures that pilgrims are accountable for their actions and are less likely to engage in begging.

In order to discourage begging, tour companies will also have to get pilgrims to sign affidavits.

According to sources, the administration is committed to resolving this issue because begging has damaged Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia.

Four travel agents were arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for sending residents to Saudi Arabia to beg during raids in different parts of Multan.

Mohammad Ejaz, Ghulam, Ghulam Yaseen, and Sadiq Hussain were among the agents that were arrested, according to an FIA official.

The representative clarified that the information from previously detained people was the basis for these arrests.

The agents were allegedly sending citizens to Saudi Arabia with the purpose of begging and then collecting a share of the money earned through begging.

Latest News

These cities’ schools will reopen tomorrow as the smog subsides.

Published

22 hours ago

Farwa

Prior to this, the Punjab government declared that schools will be closed from November 17 to November 25.

A Punjab government announcement states that schools in the Rawalpindi Division will reopen tomorrow since the area’s air pollution has reduced following a reduction in haze.

The notice stated that schools in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, and Chakwal would reopen tomorrow.

According to reports, the level of toxic fog in Lahore and other Punjabi cities has somewhat decreased.

With an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 497, Lahore was recognised as the second most polluted city in the world.

In the past, the district government of Lahore prohibited outdoor activities in response to the growing pollution menace.

Religious meetings are exempt, but all sports, exhibits, and activities are suspended, as is dining outside of restaurants, according to a statement released by the DC Lahore.

Additionally, stores, marketplaces, and shopping centres will close by 8 PM, however pharmacies, labs, gas stations, and supermarkets will not be affected.

Only grocery and medical departments may remain open in large department stores.

During pollution, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore has advised residents to use masks and refrain from needless outside activities.

Latest News

SHC considers objections to the plaza’s building next to Mazar-e-Quaid

Published

22 hours ago

Farwa

SHC Justice Zafar Rajput said during Monday’s hearing of a petition against the unlawful construction of a plaza next to Mazar-e-Quaid that “everything has been fair in love and Pakistan.”

“Can you believe over an advertisement in Pakistani conditions?” the justice of the Sindh High Court asked during the hearing.

In Jamshed Town, the petitioner’s attorney said that an unlawful plaza was being constructed over a plot of land. “It has violated the sacredness of Quaid’s mausoleum,” the attorney stated.

The attorney argued that advertisements for the project’s booking have already been published. “What happens when advertisements are published?” the bench asked. The lawyer stated, “Layman will consider the project as lawful after these advertisements are published.”

After calling for additional arguments regarding the petition’s maintainability, the judge postponed the hearing for three weeks.