By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: A high-level meeting to review the security arrangements and allied facilities for the 76th Annual Event of Ziarat-e-Muqadsa Maryam was convened under the chairmanship of Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Punjab, at the Committee Room of the Deputy Commissioner Office, Sheikhupura.
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The Minister stated that the event holds immense importance for the Christian community and that foolproof security and administrative measures will be ensured. He emphasized that in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Government of Punjab is committed to safeguarding the rights of religious minorities and providing them with a peaceful environment to practice their faith and celebrate their festivals.
DPO Sheikhupura briefed to the chair that devised a comprehensive contingency plan, with deployment of personnel in three shifts. Trained volunteers will assist police to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Walk-through gates, CCTV cameras, and strict vehicle scanning will be installed.
A detailed traffic management and diversion plan has been prepared. Sufficient parking spaces for pilgrims and separate areas for VIPs and dignitaries will be designated. Traffic staff will be deployed to avoid congestion.
Roads leading to Mariamabad will be repaired for smooth access, and round-the-clock patrolling will be ensured for the safe movement of pilgrims arriving by foot, cycle, and private vehicles from across Pakistan.
In view of the monsoon rains, waterproof camps, de-watering sets, and shelter arrangements will be established to protect pilgrims and participants. Separate entry and exit points for women will also be ensured.
Rescue 1122 has deployed 04 ambulances, 02 fire tenders, 10 motorbike ambulances, and 02 rescue posts. A mini-hospital has been established on-site, with doctors and paramedics on duty, along with first aid medical camps along access routes.
The Municipal Committee and LWMC will ensure round-the-clock cleanliness and waste management under the vision of “Suthra Punjab.” Staff will remain deployed within the premises and surrounding areas of the church.
The Minister directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert during the three-day event (September 5–7, 2025) at Chak No. 3, Mariamabad, Tehsil Safdarabad, and to ensure exemplary arrangements so that pilgrims may participate in peace, safety, and dignity.
The meeting was attended by elected representatives, senior government officials, police officers, and representatives of local formations including Pir Ashraf Rasool, MPA PP-138 Sheikhupura, Emmanuel Ather Julius, MPA NM-365 Punjab, Ch. Waseem Anjum Sandhu, MPA, Tariq Masih Gill, MPA NM-371 Punjab, Sonia Ashir, Parliamentary Secretary HR&MA Punjab, Farid Ahmad Tarar, Secretary HR&MA Punjab, Shahid Imran Marth, Deputy Commissioner Sheikhupura, Bilal Zafar Sheikh, District Police Officer Sheikhupura and representatives of District.
