PEOPLE of Pakistan heaved a sigh of relief as Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, was observed peacefully in the length and breadth of the country. Processions were taken out as usual in parts of the country but no untoward incident was reported mainly because of a foolproof plan put in place by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in close coordination with provinces and relevant institutions.
In view of attacks on mourning processions in the past, the Minister devised a special security plan and ensured its strict implementation. He chaired special meetings and remained in constant touch with all the four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir and promptly provided required assistance to them in devising elaborating but effective arrangements. Apart from deployment of security forces, it was also perhaps for the first time in years that the Government did not resort to the blanket closure of internet services and social media platforms. The suspension of these services was targeted and for a specific time to ensure minimum disruption in communication networks. Special arrangements were made for the security of mourners, especially in sensitive areas where commandos were deployed at various locations including high rise buildings and evening majalis. The security plan was meticulously prepared based on the personal experience of the Minister during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab when he proved himself a perfect administrator. We hope similar coordination would be done with the provinces in ensuring overall security throughout the year with focus on elimination of street crimes which are on the rise.
