2,000 cops to guard worship places, markets across Islamabad

Police roll out Ramazan security plan

ISLAMABAD: Police in the federal capital on Thursday unveiled a plan to ensure strict security in Ramazan, deploying around 2,000 officers and volunteers to worshipers entering mosques and imambargahs apart from guarding markets.

Islamabad Police Inspector General Aamir Zulfiqar on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to finalise the overall security arrangements during Ramazan, a police spokesperson said.

He directed to ensure strict security during the fasting month through effective patrolling and vigilance in each area of the city.

Operations DIG Waqaruddin Syed was tasked with monitoring the overall security arrangements in the city. He will be assisted by the safe city project to keep a vigilant eye on the city and ensure effective policing. All other divisions were directed to coordinate with the Operations Division.

IGB Zulfiqar said that SHOs of all police stations will conduct search operations in their respective areas while the Special Branch will install walk-through gates outside all major mosques and Imambargahs.

According to the plan chalked out by operations DIG, policemen, along with security guards, volunteers and private guards of mosques will be tasked with maintaining security at 997 mosques and 33 imambargahs in the city.

Patrolling staff of Rescue 15, Falcon and Commando vehicles, Eagle squad and vehicles of police stations will be parked around mosques

Police officials, along with local administration, were asked to review precautionary measures being adopted at mosques, imambargahs and markets for Covid-19.

Moreover, the police will launch a special drive against professional beggars and they will not be allowed to gather outside worship places.

Citizens were asked to avoid unnecessary movement and to keep identification documents with them at all times. Patrols from police stations will keep a vigil in their respective areas.

Pickets will be erected within the limits of each police station for snap checking while the administration of mosques will ensure there are proper lighting and parking arrangements for worshipers.

The meeting was attended among others by Headquarters DIG Muhammad Saleem, Operations DIG Syed, Safe City DG Sarfaraz Ahmed Falki, assistant inspector general of establishment, special branch, operations, all SSPs, additional SP, Zonal SPs and Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs).

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2020.