Precautionary measures: Ambulances to register or be impounded

Interior Ministry orders city administrators to monitor vehicles, beef up security.

ISLAMABAD: All private ambulances are to be registered immediately with the Islamabad Administration, directed Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday. No ambulance will be allowed to operate in Islamabad without a proper registration certificate.

Chief Commissioner Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICT) and Inspector General of Police have been directed to ensure peace and security during Muharram, with security arrangements being enhanced throughout the country.

As per the Interior Ministry’s notification, in case of any kidnapping or robbery, the SHO concerned will be included in the FIR and DSP concerned will be suspended immediately. The security of the people will be the primary responsibility of the local SHO.

Amir Ali Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, told The Express Tribune that an extensive security plan had been chalked out to ensure safety. He said that police were continuously conducting raids in suspected localities based on intelligence reports. Remote areas like Bhara Kahu, Noor Pur Shahan and Golra were being given special attention.

Ahmad said by registering ambulances of the region, the city administration would be able to better co-ordinate and ensure safety during Muharram.

Rawalpindi city police have also devised a special security plan for Muharram. City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Wasal Fakhar Sultan Raja said that the Rescue-1122, bomb disposal squad, Town Municipal Administration, Water and Power Development Authority and civil administration were all to remain on red alert. He said that officials of Rapid Response Squad and Elite Forces would accompany all processions.

Around 6,000 police officials will be deployed in the entire district, city police chief said. He added that all processions and Majalis would be divided into three categories – A,
B and C.

Raja said that closed-circuit television cameras would be installed at all routes of Majalis and processions, while walk-through gates would also be installed at all entrance points of important Imambargahs.

The CPO said that special pickets were being set up in the city at various routes. Parking of vehicles would be allowed only 200 yards away from the areas of processions and majalis. “A total of 98 points have been declared sensitive where the police guards will perform duties round the clock. Only one entry point will be used for the Majalis,” he added.

Rawalpindi police reportedly restricted free movement of 10 Ulema belonging to both Sunni and Shia sects during Muharram.

Sunni Ulema included Maulana Ali Haider, Maulana Shabir Ahmed Usmani, Maulana Muhammad Saddique, Maulana Abdul Sialm, Maulana Abdul Majeed Hazarvi, Maulana Aziz-ur-Rehman, Maulana Ziaullah Haqani, Qari Mufti Muhammad Hanif Quraishi. While the Shia Ulema are Maulana Hussain Muqdasi and Allama Sajid Ali.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2010.