SAHIWAL – Punjab Chief Minister’s Special Assistant for Price Control, Salma Butt, has underscored that providing essential facilities to mourners during the sacred month of Muharram is the foremost priority of the district administration.
Presiding over a high-level review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office in Sahiwal, Ms. Butt directed all provincial and local departments to execute their duties with the highest efficiency to ensure a seamless experience for participants of processions and majalis.
Key Directives and Infrastructure Support
During the meeting, the Special Assistant conveyed specific instructions from the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, regarding the provision of civic services:
Establishment of Sabeels: Setting up free water and drink stalls along all major routes.
Sanitation & Sewage: Ensuring rigorous cleanliness on procession paths and the immediate resolution of any sewage or drainage issues.
Uninterrupted Power: Coordination with electricity providers to prevent power outages during religious gatherings.
Field Inspections: Officers have been mandated to personally visit the field to monitor arrangements and address public grievances on the spot.
Multi-Departmental Coordination
The meeting saw the participation of key regional leadership and security heads, including:
Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs): Malik Muhammad Arshad and Malik Qasim Nadeem.
District Administration: Deputy Commissioner Shahid Mehmood.
Law Enforcement: District Police Officer (DPO) Rana Tahir Rehman.
Ms. Butt emphasized that maintaining peace and order is a “collective responsibility,” calling for a coordinated strategy between all institutions.
On-Site Inspection of Procession Routes
Following the briefing, the Special Assistant conducted an on-site review of the city’s main procession routes. During the inspection, she issued immediate orders regarding lighting, security protocols, and the timely installation of sabeels.
“The Punjab government will not tolerate any negligence,” she warned, reiterating that the timely completion of these facilities is non-negotiable for the provincial leadership.