Security measures: Over 5,000 cops to stand guard on Eid in twin cities

Increased deployment in Murree to cope with tourist rush on Eid

ISLAMABAD: Police have finalised security arrangements for Eid with deployment of more than 5,000 personnel in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Special arrangements have also been made to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in Murree with tourists rushing to hill station over Eid.

In the capital, as many as 2,000 policemen have been deployed across the city to maintain the law and order situation during Eidul Azha. The security personnel will be deployed on five open Eid congregations, 966 mosques, 17 Imam bargahs, public places and other important buildings to thwart any untoward incident. Police commandoes will also perform duties during Eid days.



Citizens have been advised not to park their vehicles near mosques, Imambaraghs and Eid congregations.

SSP-Operations Najeebur Rehman Bugvi on Monday issued directives to all police officials to tighten security in their respective areas and enhance patrolling.

He asked the police to ensure effective combing at all exit and entry points of the capital, warning that strict action would be taken against those found involved in showing negligence while performing their duties.

He also directed the police to install CCTV cameras and ensure coordinated efforts with citizens to avoid any unwarranted incident.

Besides the security plan, the Islamabad Police have devised a comprehensive plan to ensure patrolling at different sectors for the safety and protection of lives and property of the masses during Eid holidays.



He urged citizens to cooperate with the police in maintaining law and order.

A special security plan has been formulated for Faisal Mosque and walk-through gates and scanners are to be installed at the entry points of the mosque.

Police will also be deployed at graveyards. Police teams have been constituted for patrolling in various urban sectors and rural areas. Keeping in view the rush of visitors at public places, special security measures have also been taken at Shakarparian, Daman-e-Koh, Rose and Jasmine Gardens, Monal, Lake View Park, Chattar Park and Centaurus.

In the neighbouring Rawalpindi, around 3,000 personnel will be deployed across the district particularly at mosques, imambargahs, parks as well as cattle markets. Apart from the operational police, elite force, Dolphin Force and Special Branch personnel will also be deployed at sensitive locations and for patrolling. All SHOs have been directed to ensure a ban on collection of hides of sacrificial animals by the proscribed outfits. Police have also held meetings with peace committees in many areas ahead of the Eid vacation.



In Murree, 300 additional personnel will be deployed especially to regulate traffic over Eid. SP Saddar Division Ali Raza will supervise security in Murree.

Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer Muhammad Bin Ashraf says traffic wardens will be deployed at all major roads, intersections, mosques, imambargahs, parks and public places to regulate traffic. The CTO has also ordered a crackdown on motorists and motorcyclists indulging in one-wheeling or skidding stunts.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2018.