10,000 policemen, 5,000 Rangers to guard Eid prayers in Karachi

HYDERABAD/ KARACHI: Following the countrywide terrorist activities, security has been increased in Sindh to ensure that people celebrate Eidul Fitr without fear. As many as 10,000 police officials, along with 5,000 Rangers' personnel will guard the residents of Karachi during Eidul Fitr prayers today.

Eid prayers in the metropolis will be held at more than 4,341 locations, including 3,664 mosques, 447 eidgahs and open areas, and 230 imambargahs and jamaatkhanas, out of which 50 locations have been declared 'sensitive'. The main congregations will be held at the old Polo Ground, Nishtar Park, T-Ground in Federal B Area, and Nazimabad Eidgah. All these places will be swept for explosives and cleared before any congregations gather.

"Around 9,135 policemen, including officers, will be performing special duties on the three days of Eid to maintain the law and order situation," reads a statement issued by the Central Police Office (CPO). "Other than this deployment, personnel from six platoons of the Rapid Response Force and reserve force from district headquarters will also be performing duties."



In a fresh wave of terrorism in the country, more than 60 people were killed in Parachinar, over a dozen in a car bombing in Quetta while four policemen were gunned down in Karachi.

Intelligence agencies have issued warnings of possible terrorist attacks in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, during Eid. The agencies have also asked the relevant departments to take extraordinary measures to avoid any untoward incidents.

Following terror alerts, the Sindh Rangers and police have been put on high alert to avoid any untoward incident. Sindh IG Allah Dino Khawaja has ordered strict security measures for Eid, directing the SHOs to remain in close coordination with their respective district wireless control rooms.



Chairing a meeting at the CPO, IG Khawaja ordered patrolling, snap-checking and other security measures to be increased on Eid. He directed that no duty point should be left unattended. He also asked the traffic police to ensure smooth running of traffic on roads during Eid.

Security at all the entry and exit points of the city is being increased and police check posts are being established on highways to protect travellers arriving and leaving the city ahead of Eidul Fitr. Relevant police officials have also been directed to devise a contingency plan keeping in view the information provided by the terrorists and criminals in custody.

Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal has also directed foolproof security arrangements be made for the Eidul Fitr prayers in the entire province. He also warned the range and zonal DIGs of strict action if any security loophole is found at Eidul Fitr congregations within their domains. The home minister ordered foolproof security arrangements at parks and other public places.

Security in Hyderabad

The prayers of Eidul Fitr will be offered at 850 mosques, imambargahs and eidgahs in Hyderabad, out of which over a 100 prayer locations have been declared 'sensitive' by  the Hyderabad police.



Around 3,500 policemen and 250 police commandos have been deployed for the security of Eid prayers. Hyderabad SSP Irfan Baloch has also directed policemen to avoid eating food at roadside hotels during their duty hours.

The police have also been directed to comply with protocol during snap-checking under which two to three police personnel have to remain in armed position while others are checking vehicles.