Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has reaffirmed the presence of religious harmony across the country on the day of Ashura, urging citizens to shun those inciting sectarianism.
Speaking to media in Faisalabad, she said Ashura symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice and stressed that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility.
She outlined that the Punjab government has enforced comprehensive security arrangements for Muharram processions and gatherings.
For the first time, a cyber patrolling force has been deployed during Muharram to monitor online activity, Bukhari said, adding that the entire provincial administration is actively managing Ashura-related events.
She emphasized public safety and service delivery as key government priorities, citing improved sanitation, installation of cold water stations along procession routes, and inspection visits in various districts. She also noted receiving goodwill messages for the Chief Minister during her visits.
The minister revealed that objectionable and sectarian content on social media is being strictly monitored, with several arrests made and 417 hate-spreading websites blocked so far.
Bukhari concluded that the government’s actions are not symbolic, but practical efforts to uphold peace, calling on the public to show mutual respect and reject divisive forces.