While plans for increased security, especially for Shias, during these days will have been put in place, the problem is much more deep-rooted and the solution cannot be narrow and short-sighted. PHOTO: APP/ FILE
"Out of 9,269 majalis, 583 have been declared most sensitive, 2,463 sensitive while 6,249 are normal," said Sindh Inspector-General Allah Dino Khawaja while briefing officials at a security meeting at Chief Minister House on Friday.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, was attended by police, Rangers and intelligence and home department officials.
The officials were informed that around 340 mourning processions have been declared most sensitive, 1,337 sensitive and 2,327 normal. As far as tazia processions are concerned, 65 have been declared most sensitive, 626 sensitive and 967 normal.
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Sharing further details, Khawaja informed the meeting that there were 1,932 Imambargahs in Sindh. In the entire province, 9,295 majalis would be held and 4,004 mourning processions and 1,658 tazia processions would be taken out.
According to officials, a total 320 majalis will be held only in Karachi, of which 179 have been declared as most sensitive, 767 sensitive and 320 normal. Out of 694 mourning processions, 116 are most sensitive, 530 sensitive and 48 normal. Meanwhile no tazia processions have been categorised as most sensitive but 198 were declared sensitive and 217 normal.
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Regarding the suspension of mobile phones, the chief minister directed the home minister to coordinate with the interior ministry to switch off mobile phone networks when and where required.
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"It is important to coordinate on the matter with the ministry concerned in the federal government on time," the CM said.
Rangers Director-General Major General Muhammad Saeed, briefing the CM, said that a force of 8,000 personnel will be deployed for foolproof security.
"I have held a number of meetings with the IG and additional IGs and chalked out a detailed plan with our collective wisdom," he said, adding that the deployment of Rangers will start from Muharram 1 till Chehlum.
A close coordination plan has been evolved with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, he said, adding that the coordination and intelligence network will be enough to ensure security during Muharram. Apart from this, Rangers and police are continuously conducting targeted operations in the city and its outskirts. This process has also dismantled the network of terrorists and other outlaws in the city, Saeed said.
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The CM said that the deployment of police personnel has been made according to the sensitivity of the processions and majalis. The deployment of manpower by the police department will be 61,545 personnel, of which 34,827 will be static, 9,087 in pickets, 6,600 will be deployed on mobiles and 2,914 on motorcycles.
The IG said that a force of 8,117 personnel would be kept as reserves.
Giving details of the reserved force, Khawaja said 400 policemen will be at the Central Police Office and 100 each at the Garden headquarters, Anti-Car Lifting Cell, Numaish Chowrangi, Mama Parsi School, Preedy area and at Merewether Tower.
Regarding the coordination between the government and religious scholars, the CM directed the IG to make necessary arrangements for continuous vigilance till Chehlum and develop close liasons with ulemas and religious leaders. "I will personally hold meetings with the ulemas," the CM said, adding that he was satisfied with the law and order situation of the city.
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The CM asked the chief secretary to coordinate with the local bodies to do patchwork of all the roads in dilapidated conditions. "The local bodies must start cleanliness work of their respective areas all over Sindh," he said, adding that the water board should also ensure proper supply of water in the city.
Shah also issued directives to all the deputy commissioners through the chief secretary and SSPs through the IG to involve the local bodies in the maintenance of law and order and cleanliness work.
"I want you to work out the details of security guards so that they can be engaged in policing work," Shah directed the IG.
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