Larkana : Deputy Commissioner Larkana Tariq Manzoor Chandio has said that the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal is no less than Eid for Muslims, as it marks the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He urged religious scholars and citizens to promote unity, brotherhood and harmony on the occasion.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting of the District Peace Committee held in connection with preparations for the observance of 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal. Religious scholars representing all schools of thought in Larkana district attended the meeting.

The deputy commissioner said that the services and achievements of the governments of Sindh and Pakistan for the people were not acceptable to their opponents. He urged responsible citizens to cooperate with the administration and requested religious scholars and prayer leaders to use their sermons and speeches on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal to promote unity and brotherhood so that national harmony could be strengthened.

He appreciated the role played by members of the District Peace Committee on previous occasions and expressed hope that they would continue to perform their responsibilities effectively.

Tariq Manzoor Chandio said that followers of different schools of thought observe the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on different days. He directed officers of the relevant departments to perform their duties responsibly and ensure that there was no negligence in arrangements.

He added that after August 14, another meeting would be held with the Mayor of Larkana Municipal Corporation to further improve preparations for the celebrations.

The deputy commissioner also directed officials of Sui Southern Gas Company and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) to ensure that there was no gas or electricity load-shedding on the occasions of 12th and 17th Rabi-ul-Awwal.

He instructed Rangers and police officials to provide foolproof security for processions, gatherings and other programmes being held from the 12th to the 17th of Rabi-ul-Awwal. He ordered security officials to keep a close watch on miscreants and take all necessary measures to maintain law and order.

He further directed Rangers and police officials to ensure close coordination and make adequate security arrangements for the protection of religious processions and gatherings.

The deputy commissioner instructed officials of the Auqaf Department to ensure that all mosques under its administrative control were properly illuminated as part of the celebrations.

Speaking at the meeting, Mayor Larkana Municipal Corporation Advocate Anwar Ali Lehar said the municipal administration would coordinate with the deputy commissioner to ensure the best possible cleanliness and lighting arrangements across the city so that citizens faced no inconvenience or complaints.

Religious scholars from all schools of thought presented various suggestions during the meeting and assured the administration of their full cooperation in maintaining peace, unity and harmony during the Rabi-ul-Awwal celebrations.

Assistant Commissioner Larkana Raja Darya Khan Qureshi and other relevant officials also attended the meeting.

The meeting concluded with prayers for the progress, prosperity, peace and well-being of the country and its people.