Preparations in full swing: ‘Foolproof’ security in place for Eid holidays in twin cities

Special teams will be on guard in mosques, imambargahs and open spaces where prayers will be offered.

ISLAMABAD:

Over 2,500 cops will perform security duties at mosques and other public places in Islamabad on Eidul Fitr, with security to remain on high alert in the capital over the Eid holidays.

According to the security plan finalised by the Islamabad Capital Territory administration, police personnel will guard around 500 sensitive locations including mosques, imambargahs and open spaces where Eid prayers will be offered.

Around 150 cops led by two superintendents of police (SPs) will be deputed at Faisal Mosque alone on Eid day. Walk-through gates and scanners will also be installed at the country’s largest mosque.



The Interior Ministry has announced that cell phone services will not be blocked and has also directed air surveillance of the capital.

Inspector General of the Islamabad Police Sikandar Hayat has directed all officials to remain on high alert over the Eid holidays to ensure that potential terrorist threats are thwarted.

Four SPs, nine assistant and deputy superintendents of police and 17 inspectors will supervise the overall security arrangements in their respective jurisdictions. They will coordinate with mobile police teams which have been directed to patrol different sectors.

Quick Response Force teams, Falcon squads, police commandos and women police contingents will patrol Islamabad during the Eid holidays to ensure citizens’ safety, according to the plan.



Security will be tightened at all important entry and exit points to check suspected militant activity and to prevent incidents of theft and carjacking.

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) will depute 250 traffic personnel at various locations including places where Eid congregations are being held, shopping areas and markets.

ITP mobile squads will also be patrolling these areas. Bomb disposal squads will be available at all public places, according to the plan.

In addition, army officials have also been deputed in the city, with a visible presence detected around the ‘red zone’.

In Rawalpindi

Security will also remain on high alert in Rawalpindi over the Eid holidays, with police personnel to be deployed at mosques, sensitive installations, graveyards and public parks.

Around 5,500 police officials will be on duty to ensure foolproof security in Rawalpindi on chand raat and Eid day.

Elite force commandos, special branch officers, Muhafiz Force personnel and women police officers will also be on duty.

The police will also be stationed at mosques, imambargahs, public spaces, parks and markets.

Emergency rescue services

In Rawalpindi, Rescue 1122 staff will remain on special duty in the district control room with 14 equipped emergency ambulances, 10 fire vehicles, two rescue vehicles, two water bowsers and two specialised vehicles ready to deal with any emergency.

According to the Rescue 1122 emergency plan, rescue posts will be established at Ayub Park, Nawaz Sharif Park, Jinnah Park and GPO Chowk in Saddar.

Emergency services will be on stand-by at Gawalmandi Children Park, Liaquat Bagh, Rawal Chowk and Chungi No 22 during Eid prayers.

Rawalpindi’s district emergency officers have been directed to organise meetings with local mosque committees to ensure that volunteers are available in case of any emergency.

Meetings with the management of different hospitals have also been held to ensure any untoward incident is handled properly, according to Rescue 1122 sources.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2013.