Pakistan

High security for Chehlum processions in capital today

Cellular services will not be closed; schools to remain closed in Rawalpindi tomorrow

Our Correspondents November 19, 2016 1 min read

The main procession passes through Iqbal Road in Rawalpindi on Thursday. PHOTO: WASEEM IMRAN/EXPRESS

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: Security has been beefed up in the twin cities where Chehlum processions are expected to be taken out today and tomorrow.

However, unlike Ashura, mobile phone services in the capital will not be suspended for processions in Islamabad.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) and Islamabad Police said they had made sufficient security arrangements for the Chehlum procession due to be taken out today.

Officials said a total of 1,500 police, Rangers and FC personnel will be deployed to ensure security for the procession. They said roads leading to and from the route of the procession will be sealed. The main Chehlum procession is expected to be taken out from the Markazi Imambargah in G-6/2 in the afternoon. After passing through its traditional, pre-designated route, it will culminate at the same place later in the evening.

Facebook stream suspended

Meanwhile, Islamabad Police on Saturday stopped their live stream of traffic updates on Facebook. The initiative had been launched a few days ago on the direction of IGP Tariq Masood Yasin to facilitate and update the road users.

However, a senior police officer told The Express Tribune that it had been suspended temporarily as precautionary measure for Chehlum.

Schools closed in Pindi

Meanwhile in Rawalpindi, the district coordination officer on Saturday announced that all education institutions located in Rawal Town areas will remain closed on Monday, when Chehlum processions in the city are expected to be taken out.

Through a notification, DCO Talat Mahmood Gondal directed that all universities, colleges, and schools both public and private would remain closed on Monday.

The City Police Officer (CPO) Israr Ahmed said that around 3,000 police personnel would be deployed to carry out special security duties on Monday.

Besides police, nine companies of army, a company of Rangers, special branch of police, elite police, women police, and Punjab constabulary personnel would also be deployed to maintain security.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2016.