The Energy Division on Sunday instructed the energy distribution companies (disc) to take measures to guarantee an uninterrupted electricity supply in Muharram, keeping heat waves, according to a press release from the department.
Muharram is a month of mourning, observed in particular by Shiite Muslims around the world. Commemorates the battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where, among many, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (La Paz either with him), the Imam Husain, was martyred and other family members were martyred or subjected to humiliation.
On Saturday, the Punjab government imposed section 144 in the province of Muharram 1 to 10 to guarantee peace and religious harmony.
Federal Power Minister Awais Leghari, in a letter addressed to disco officials, said: “Since the sacred month of Muharram is falling in July and waves of heat are expected.
“It is very imperative that all necessary measures be taken to guarantee an uninterrupted electricity supply to facilitate religious meetings and avoid any inconvenience to the public.”
He instructed the discos to take a series of measures to guarantee an uninterrupted supply.
This included exhaustive inspections of all transmission and distribution networks, particularly in areas where majalis and processions are expected. The letter also instructed to guarantee the repair of defective equipment.
He also instructed on the guarantee of keeping emergency response equipment on maximum alertness throughout the month and, in particular, in Muharram 9 and 10 (Ashura).
Leghari also instructed to guarantee the availability of waiting generators and UPS systems in confidential locations to provide support energy in case of unforeseen network problems.
“Make sure that a sufficient number of transformers and other materials is available in each subdivision, and the inventory in this respect must be updated,” said the letter.
The letter also instructed discos to guarantee communication and coordination with local authorities and the public.
“Muharram’s holiness demands our maximum commitment to serve the public with diligence and respect. Any negligence in this regard will be seriously seen,” the letter concluded.
Separately, five Pakistan army companies and six ranger companies will be deployed in Rawalpindi to help the administration and the police to maintain peace during Muharram.
The arrangements for 4,374 Majalis and 1,003 processions that will be held in the Rawalpindi division have been completed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police General, Zulfiqar Hameed, said at the beginning of the week that guaranteeing a Pacific Muharram was a great challenge for its strength due to the predominant security situation in the region.
