By Uzma Zafar
ISLAMABAD: IGP Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, visited various imam-bargahs in the federal capital on the day of Ashura.
During the visit, he met with the officers on duty and encouraged them. He reviewed the security arrangements for the procession and directed the officers to ensure foolproof security measures.
On this occasion, he said that Islamabad Police and the district administration have made foolproof arrangements for the security of various processions on the day of Ashura. Since the first of Muharram, all processions have been provided with foolproof security.
He further said that the security at any point on the day of Ashura is not compromised. A search was also conducted within a five-kilometer radius of the main procession routes. Officers from the Special Branch and the bomb disposal squad were present to ensure the security arrangements for the main procession.
In addition, police officers, civil administration, and personnel from Pakistan Rangers were also performing their duties. He added that the organizers of the procession and scouts are standing with us for comprehensive security arrangements. Islamabad Police has taken foolproof measures for the security of the procession. Mobile services have not been suspended anywhere, he added. He further said that, the Ashura procession is extremely important for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. We have a great responsibility, and we are always ready to fulfill it. The procession routes were completely closed off with barbed wire and tents.
The processions were monitored through drone cameras and Safe City surveillance cameras. Participants were allowed entry only through specific routes, and they were searched with metal detectors, with scouts assisting the police in the search process. Parking for specific vehicles and motorcycles for the participants was kept away from the procession route. Snipers were deployed on rooftops to ensure effective security for the procession. On the special directions of the IG Islamabad, all senior police officers kept reviewing the security arrangements for the procession.
He further said that every officer of Islamabad Police is performing their duty diligently, which is commendable. We will stand side by side as a team to ensure the protection of every individual’s life and property. More than 16,000 officers of Islamabad Police will perform their duties from the first of Muharram until the 40th day.
