Eid prayers to be held at over 3,600 places in Karachi

Police claim to have prepared foolproof security plan

KARACHI: With warnings from intelligence agencies of possible terrorist attacks during Eidul Fitr, the three-day annual religious festival will begin throughout the country amid tight security.

In the metropolis, over 3,646 Eid congregations are expected to be held at open grounds, mosques and Eidgahs.

Law enforcement agencies claim to have chalked out a strategy and made 'sufficient' security arrangements across the province, particularly in Karachi, to avoid any untoward incident on the auspicious occasion.

According to the police security plan, more than 11,500 policemen have been deployed for security duty during Eidul Fitr in Karachi.

In East zone, nearly 3,410 cops will perform security duty at nearly 1,206 Eid congregations at open places, mosques and Eidgahs.

In the West zone, more than 6,300 policemen on over 200 police mobiles and 50 motorcycles would perform duty at 2,140 places.

While in South zone, more than 1,800 policemen will perform duty to protect Eidul Fitr congregations at 300 places including Eidgahs and mosques.

Karachi Additional IG Mushtaq Maher directed police officials to ensure foolproof security and provide a peaceful atmosphere during the festival.

"All activists of militants, sectarian groups and criminal elements should be kept under close surveillance," he said, adding that activities of individuals placed on the fourth schedule [terrorist watch list] should be restricted to a minimum.

In light of the recent attacks at holy places in Saudi Arabia, he directed for additional vigilance at mosques and other religious sites in the city.

"Control rooms should be established at zonal and district levels where the situation can be monitored round the clock during all three days of Eid," he ordered.

The Bomb Disposal Squad has also been alerted for all three days of Eid to be able to instantly respond to any untoward situation.

The traffic police have also been instructed to make smooth traffic arrangements, particularly at picnic spots and other areas frequented at holidays.

Swimmers' safety

The local administration has also directed the deployment of lifeguards at the beaches in Karachi, particularly Sea View, to save people from drowning as has happened many times in the past, especially during Eid holidays.

IG reviews security

Earlier, the Sindh police spokesperson said a meeting was held at the Central Police Office presided over by Sindh Inspector General Allah Dino Khawaja where he was informed of the security plan prepared by the Karachi police.

The IG directed that effective and coordinated measures should be undertaken to make security arrangements for all places where Eid prayers would be held.

He also directed for enhanced patrolling and snap-checking by the police.

"Security should also be enhanced at all entry and exit points of the city and vehicles entering the city need to be checked thoroughly to avoid any untoward incident," he directed.

Besides the police, extra contingents of Rangers would also perform security duties during the Eid holidays.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2016.