——– 16000 personnel deployed for security
By Uzma Zafar
Islamabad: Islamabad Police have finalized comprehensive security arrangements for the processions and religious gatherings during Muharram-ul-Haram, according to a public relations officer.
He said that, following the special directions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, the DIG Islamabad, Muhammad Jawad Tariq, has finalized a comprehensive security plan for Muharram-ul-Haram.
The formal approval of this plan was granted by IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi after a thorough review. All wings of the Islamabad Police have also been instructed to ensure complete coordination for the success of the plan.
DIG Islamabad directed all concerned officials to maintain close liaison with the peace committees and organizers of Majalis and processions. He emphasized that the cooperation of organizers should be secured with the police and law enforcement officials.
A total of 181 religious gatherings (Majalis) and 965 processions will be held in the federal capital, with more than 16,000 officials from Islamabad Police, Pakistan Rangers, Lady Police, Traffic Police, and Special Branch officials performing security duties. DIG Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq directed strict security arrangements for these events, including special checks of participants.
He said that special arrangements should be made for the professional checking of participants and for the installation of walk-through gates at the entrance points of Majalis. It is also required to ensure thorough checks of participants in Majalis and processions using metal detectors. Strict vigilance should be maintained to ensure that security measures are in place by both the police and the peace committees, the DIG emphasized. Rangers will also assist Islamabad Police in ensuring comprehensive security arrangements.
The DIG Islamabad further ordered all Zonal SPs, SDPOs, and SHOs to make proper lighting arrangements after consulting with the concerned authorities and to clear bushes in the areas surrounding worship places. He said it should be ensured that processions follow the designated routes and that the timings for the processions are strictly observed. He also directed that effective patrolling be conducted, and commando vehicles be used for this purpose.
The DIG Islamabad directed the maintenance of close coordination among all wings of the Islamabad Police and lower-ranking officers. Traffic staff should make arrangements to avoid any inconvenience to road users, and special deployments should be made to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on alternate routes when processions are carried out.
It should be ensured that parking lots are located far from the processions, with proper security arrangements in place, and that metal detectors are used at entry and exit points as well.
He said that walk-through gates must be installed at all entry and exit points of Majalis and processions, with coverage provided by a large number of policemen. He also instructed all SPs of Zones and SDPOs to take steps to prevent wall chalking or the posting of unauthorized posters.
Patrolling officers must visit all the routes of Muharram-ul-Haram processions and Imam-bargahs, with rooftops being covered by police officials.
DIG Islamabad stated that Lady Police should be deployed for female gatherings, while police officers and Jawans would handle security duties outside the Imam-bargahs. All SHOs have been directed to collect the complete biodata of volunteers performing security duties. Peace committees will be asked to ensure that no strangers are allowed to stay in worship places for security reasons during Muharram-ul-Haram.
It was also decided that, in addition to the deployment of special commandos, police, and Rangers at sensitive Imam-bargahs, these areas will be kept fully alert to prevent any untoward incidents. The processions will be fully secured with ropes.
DIG Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq further stated that Islamabad Police will perform their professional duties with full responsibility and dedication during Muharram-ul-Haram, while also ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
