By Uzma Zafar
Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Police Chief Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan on Tuesday reviewed security arrangements in connection with “Muharram ul Harram” and decided to enhance vigilance and patrolling in the various areas for fool proof security. During the meeting it was decided that all operational and technical support will be provided by Operations Division under the supervision of DIG Operations and logistical support will be provided by Logistics division under the supervision of DIG Headquarters.
According to the details, a security meeting was held to review security arrangements for “Muharram ul Harram” at the Central Police office presided over by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan. He said that DIG (Operations) Sohail Zafar Chatha would monitor all security related arrangements.
He directed all police officials to maintain close liaison with peace committees and organizers of Majalis and processions in Muharram-ul-Haram.
He said that cooperation of organizers should be ensured with police and law enforcing officials. Islamabad Police Chief asked to issue special cards to policemen and volunteers performing duties. He directed to maintain high vigilance of processions through safe city cameras, smart cars, surveillance cameras and drone cameras. All these arrangements, he said, would be looked after by DIG (Safe City). A control room will also be established in Safe City.
The IGP also ordered to make proper light arrangements after negotiations with concerned authorities and also to weed out bushes in the various areas in the vicinity of worship places.
The police Commandos along with vehicles would perform the security duties at Imam bargahs arranging religious gatherings. He said that it should be ensured that processions would pass through the fixed routes and timings of processions to be observed strictly.
He also directed for effective patrolling and use of commando vehicles for the purpose. He directed for maintaining close coordination among all wings of Islamabad police and staff. The IGP said that walk-through gates must be installed at all entry and exit points of Majalis and processions and it should be covered through a large strength of policemen.
Patrolling officers must conduct visits to all the routes of Muharram processions and Imambargahs and rooftops to be covered by the police officials. The IGP said that lady Police should be deputed for the female gatherings while police officers and Jawans would perform security duties outside the Imam bargahs.
He further directed SSP (Traffic) to issue a traffic plan and ensure smooth flow of traffic on alternate routes during the processions.
He said that it should be ensured that parking lots are far away from Imam bargahs.
Strict vigilance should be maintained to ensure that security measures are in place by the police and SOPs issued by the government are being followed, the IGP maintained. He said that Bomb disposal squad would conduct checking of routes through robots and modern technology while entry of participants in the procession would be ensured after complete checking. All wings of Islamabad police were given directions to ensure complete coordination for the success of this plan.
No laxity in security duties would be tolerated, the IGP maintained.
