Amid security: Peshawar processions conclude peacefully

Over 1,500 security personnel deployed on the route of the procession

PESHAWAR: At least 12 Muharram processions were taken out amid tight security in Peshawar on Tuesday.

The main procession started from Imam Bargah Hussainia in Saddar Bazar at 10 in the morning and passing through the traditional routes concluded at the same place whereas Majalis were also held across the city.

Other processions were taken out from Imam Bargah Bibi Sahiba, Mohalla Bibi Zakri tehsil, Imam Bargah Agha Sayed Ali Shah Rizvi, Kocha Jan, Alamdar, and Kocha Risaldar in Qissa Khwani Bazar in the noon and ended peacefully.

All the major markets including Saddar Bazar, Khyber Bazar, Qissa Khwani Bazar and other markets situated on the University Road were closed while public holiday was observed in all public and private institutions.

One track of the GT Road was used as part of the procession route and was closed for vehicular traffic. Most of the traffic was diverted to the Khyber Road while less traffic was seen on Sher Shah Suri Road, Railway Road and main University Road. Security was beefed up across the city and all entry and exit points were sealed.

Speaking to the media personnel, IGP Khyber-Pakthunkhwa Nasir Khan Durrani said that around 36,000 police personnel were performing their duties across the province to provide security during Muharram events.

Chief Capital Police Officer (CCPO) Tahir Khan reviewed security measures, whereas routes of the processions were monitored through over 103 Closed Circuit Television Cameras installed around the city. Pillion riding was banned in the city as part of the security measures.

According to SSP Operations Peshawar Abbas Majeed Marwat, over 1,500 police personnel were deployed on various routes of the processions.

The routes were cleared by the bomb disposal squad before the processions were taken out. Meanwhile, no one was allowed to enter the security zones without possessing special entry cards issued by the police department.

First aid camp was also set up by Rescue-1122 in the premises of main Imam Bargah Hussainia in Saddar Bazaar.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2016.