Drones to help monitor processions

Lady police officers to be deployed at check-posts in Red Zone

ISLAMABAD: The capital police on Monday finalised a security plan for Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) processions in the federal capital, including the use of drones to monitor the proceedings.

Moreover, the capital police have decided to deploy lady police officers at all check-posts within the Red Zone.

This was decided on Monday as Islamabad Police Inspector General (IG) Aamir Zulfiqar Khan chaired a high-level meeting on Monday at the Central Police Office to review security arrangements for Eid Miladun Nabi on Wednesday and the forthcoming Seerat Conference, a police spokesperson said.



During the meeting, Aamir ordered to review the complete security plan for the city. He also directed to obtain certificates from owners of hotels, guest houses and residents situated along rally routes.

The IGP further ordered to hold meetings about the free food and drink stalls with the procession organisers. Further, it was directed the stipulated timings for the processions will be strictly enforced.

Aamir reiterated to monitor all participants of the processions through drones. Moreover, the head and the tail of the processions will be videotaped for the record.

The IGP directed officials to immediately hold pre-coordination meetings with utility suppliers such as the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL), along with hospitals and all concerned departments to ensure stringent security at the rallies and provision of uninterrupted essential commodities.

The Operations-SSP was directed to brief officials about the nature of their duty and ordered him to deploy mounted police along procession routes.

He further emphasised the crucial role of Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on the day of the event.

Zonal SPs were directed to ensure supervision of security measures before and during the processions. In conjunction with ITP, the Zonal SPs were tasked with closing off access points to the main procession using tents along the procession route.

On the day of the event, the zonal SPs shall ensure that the attendance of all police officials shall be carried out by their leaders and respected Moharrars as well.

The Operations DIG was directed to personally oversee security for the main Eid Miladun Nabi procession in Abpara.

To ensure air-tight security, the IGP emphasised the provision of bar-coded cards to all police officers who will be on duty that day.

The Special Branch was tasked with sweeping the procession route and venue and then issuing a certificate of handing over charge respectively.

Lady police officers

Separately, IGP Aamir has directed to deploy lady police constables check posts in the federal capital.

IGP Aamir explained the move as part of measures to depict a softer image of the federal capital and its police force.

Apart from fortifying the check posts, these officers will also facilitate the thorough checking of vehicles passing through the area and checking women who seek access to the high-security zone.

Moreover, a post will be set-up where citizens can register their complaints without having to travel to police stations.

The move has been taken weeks after a woman quarrelled with officers at a checkpoint leading to the high-security diplomatic enclave for failing to observe the regulations and for driving a car with no number plate.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2018.