A policeman stands guard during Eid prayers at Satellite Town Mosque in Rawalpindi. PHOTO: AGHA MEHROZ/EXPRESS
RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: The inhabitants of the garrison city celebrated Eidul Azha under tight security arrangements.
Over 650 mosques of the district, 61 Eid congregations and 58 imambargahs were given proper security cover during Eid prayers.
Around 3,000 policemen were deployed under a comprehensive security plan chalked out for peaceful observance of Eidul Azha. Elite Force, Mohafiz Squad, Special Branch personnel along with ladies police and police national volunteers were also performing security duties.
They were checking people through metal detectors outside mosques and Eidgahs. The security officials removed all kinds of hawkers, sellers and beggars from around the mosques and Eidgahs to control law and order situation.
Large gatherings were witnessed here at all main city mosques including Qadeemi Masjid, Eidgah Sharif, Jamia Masjid Raja Bazaar, Jamia Masjid Jamiat-ul-Quresh, Islampura, Dheri Hasanabad, Jamia Masjid Saddar, Satellite Town Jamia Masjid, Zakria Masjid Allahabad, Masjid Zanibia Al-Mumtaz Colony and others.
Ulema and Khateebs prayed for the peace, prosperity and integrity of the country and unity of the Muslim Ummah and brief the meaning and importance of sacrifices. In their sermons they urged people to be united and respect each other. After offering Eid prayers people embraced each other and visited their relatives to exchange greetings.
As per Eid security plan, women police and plainclothesmen were also deployed in different bazaars were also deployed to provide security cover to the citizens visiting city markets for Eid shopping.
Over 607 traffic wardens and 22 inspectors were deployed to regulate traffic during Eid prayers.
According to City Traffic Police (CTP) spokesman, enhanced number of traffic wardens were also deployed in Murree for eid holidays aimed at facilitating the tourists.
The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) was also on emergency alert during Eid-ul-Azha holidays. In Rawalpindi more than 400 rescuers were on special duties in district control room, emergency rescue stations, with 14 equipped emergency ambulances, 10 fire vehicles, two rescue vehicles and one water rescue vehicle.
Islamabad police made best possible security arrangements on Eidul Azha, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Muhammad Khalid Khattak said according to a statement.
Contingents of the Islamabad police, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary performed their duties with dedication and commitment in order to ensure protection to the lives and property of the citizens, the top cop said addressing ‘Bara Khana’ or big luncheon at Police Line Headquarters.
DIG (Operations) Islamabad Mir Vais Niaz, SSP Headquarter Muhammad Bin Ashraf, SP ARU Malik Tahir Mehmood and other police officers and officials were also present on the occasion.
“I know it is very difficult for policemen to remain away from their children, parents, brothers, sisters and relatives at this happy occasion. However, it is our duty to protect the country and serve the people,” he maintained.
The IGP was told that teams of ATS Commandos performed duties at important places while special deployment was ensured at Faisal Masjid. As many as 2,500 policemen performed security duties during the Eid holidays and police teams led by SHOs ensured continuous patrolling in various sectors and areas besides recovering looted items, wine and weapons from criminal elements.
With additional reporting by APP
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2017.
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