Special arrangements : Security plan finalised for itikaf, Youm-e-Ali

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police is set to make elaborate security arrangements during the last ten days (ashra) of Ramazan, and for religious gatherings to be held in connection with the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (AS).

According to a police official, a security plan in this regard was finalised on Tuesday.

In this meeting, SSP (Operations) Sajid Kiani directed police officials to maintain close coordination with mosque committees and also maintain a list of the individuals who will be sitting in itikaf, during the last ashra.

He said that it had been decided in the meeting, to put in place special security arrangements at sensitive places of worship, to avoid any untoward incident.

It was also directed, that patrolling be increased in the capital territory, the official added.

Security at the Faisal Mosque has already been beefed up, he said, while strict vigilance would be maintained there to ensure protection of the individuals sitting in itikaf.

Meanwhile, the official also said it had been decided that the campaign against professional beggars would be intensified, particularly outside places of worship.

All station house officers, he said, had been directed to remain in contact with the mosque committees of their areas around the clock, and to extend full cooperation to them with regard to the security of places of worship.

Additional police contingents are also set to be deployed at sensitive places, he added.  Some 400 policemen, including commandoes, will be deputed to guard the Youm-e-Ali procession.

The procession will start from G-6/4 and culminate at Imambargah Asana-e-Ashri, G-6/2 after passing through various routes.

Personnel of Islamabad Traffic Police will also participate, to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2016.