Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet in Lahore for Muharram moon sighting

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on the evening of June 15 at Badshahi Mosque in Lahore to sight the moon for the beginning of Muharram-ul-Haram, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said on Thursday.

According to the ministry, zonal and district moon sighting committees will also hold their meetings at their respective headquarters at the same time to collect and review local testimonies regarding the sighting of the new moon.

It added that the zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Islamabad will convene at the Kohsar Block of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

The ministry said the chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will review all received evidence and reports from across the country before formally announcing whether the Muharram moon has been sighted.

Islamabad police finalise security plan for peaceful Muharram observance

Islamabad police have held a high-level meeting to review security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram and ensure the peaceful conduct of religious gatherings and processions across the federal capital.

According to a police spokesperson, the meeting was chaired by SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza and attended by SSP Security Operations Suleman Zafar, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Muhammad Yousuf, senior police officials, organisers of majalis and processions, as well as volunteers.

The participants conducted a detailed review of the overall security situation and arrangements for majalis and processions during Muharram. Officials assessed coordination mechanisms between law enforcement agencies and event organisers to ensure effective crowd management and the maintenance of law and order.

The meeting emphasised the need for close coordination among the police, district administration, organisers, and volunteers to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram. It was mutually agreed that joint efforts would be strengthened to maintain harmony and security during the religious month.

SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza said Islamabad police would utilise all available resources to ensure foolproof security arrangements and facilitate citizens during Muharram. He praised the role of organisers and volunteers, calling their contribution to maintaining peace and security commendable.

He stressed that cooperation, religious harmony, and responsible behaviour would be key to ensuring a peaceful and secure Muharram. He added that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remained the top priority and there would be no compromise on security arrangements during the period.

Officials reiterated that all necessary measures would be taken to safeguard majalis, processions, and participants, with special focus on maintaining vigilance and rapid response capabilities across the city.