Ramazan plan finalised: Over 8,000 cops to ensure security

Deployments will be made at mosques, imambargahs

ISLAMABAD: The administrations of the twin cities have finalised a plan to ensure security during Ramazan. To maintain security, over 8,000 police officers will be deployed in various mosques and imambargahs of the twin cities, said a police spokesperson.

Around 2,500 policemen will perform their duties in the federal capital and around 5,550 cops will ensure security of the places of worship in Rawalpindi.

As per the plan, in the federal capital, policemen will ensure security at 920 mosques and 40 imambargahs. The arrangements will be supervised by five superintendents of police. Officers who have been deputed at the Police Lines Headquarters have now been called for the purpose.

Police stations in the city have been directed to coordinate with office-bearers of traders’ unions in their respective areas to ensure effective security of markets and mosques.  The spokesperson said mosque committees would conduct checking through metal detectors and would also deploy private security guards. The police have also been directed to carry out special checking of hotels and guest houses for security purpose.

Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, a total of 5,550 policemen will be deployed in over 2,295 mosques and imambargahs, said a Rawalpindi police spokesperson.

A total of 440 mosques and imambargahs are located in Rawal Town, 738 in Potohar Town and 1,117 in Saddar area. Besides police officers of Elite Force will also perform their duties during tareweeh prayers. The police spokesperson said that surveillance cameras would be installed outside mosques and imambargahs in the garrison city to keep an eye on suspects.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2015.