Thousands go into Aitekaf amid tight security in Lahore

Meanwhile, police high-ups have reviewed security plan for Youm-e-Ali today

LAHORE: City Police completed arrangements to provide tight security to the thousands who gathered to perform Aitekaf at various mosques across the city on Friday.

Aitekaf is a spiritual retreat at a mosque during the last 10 days of Ramazan.

In the city, there are three places where the biggest gatherings are taking place; Badshahdi Mosque, Data Darbar and Baghdad Town in the Township area.

Baghdad Town, also known as Shehr-e-Aitekaf, has been set up by Minhajul Quran, an organisation led by Dr Tahirul Qadri.

A bazaar was also established and it is visited by people during Sehri and Iftari.

Security arrangements

City Police Spokesperson said the security branch of the Lahore Police coordinated with the administrative committees of all the mosques throughout the city.

He said that anyone willing to perform Aitekaf had to receive a verification certificate from the special branch. The lists of those performing Aitekaf, particularly at Data Darbar, Baghdad Town and Badshahi Mosque, were put on display on walls at the mosques.



The devotees performing Aitekaf were allowed entry after verification through biometric machines, he said, adding their luggage was also checked through metal detectors. “Men in civvies have also been deployed at mosques to keep an eye on any suspicious activity. Anyone wishing to enter the premises would be allowed after thorough checking,” the spokesman said. He added police had already conducted search operations in the nearby areas. He said besides these security arrangements, police patrolling had also been increased.

Youm-e-Ali today

Meanwhile, senior police officials reviewed the security plan for Youm-e-Ali on Saturday. According to the plan, prepared after taking religious scholars and peace committees on board, at least 7,000 policemen would be deployed to provide security. Similarly, shops, houses and buildings situated on the main route of processions were thoroughly checked. According to the City Police spokesperson, affidavits had been signed by building owners who declared they were not housing any suspicious people. As per the plan, the main route will be checked by sniffer dogs, special branch personnel and bomb disposal officials before the procession begins. It would be monitored through CCTV cameras temporarily installed by the Punjab Safe City Authority.

The path would be cordoned off by tents and barbed wire, while all routes leading towards it would be closed at a radius of 200 metres. Snipers would be deployed at nearby rooftops, while men in civvies would also be stationed.

At entry points of the procession, walkthrough gates are to be installed. The participants would be allowed entry after checking at four points. Police have requested citizens to keep an eye on people involved in suspicious activities.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2017.