2,500 cops deployed to guard Capital

Police in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have planned elaborate measures to maintain peace and tranquillity during Independence Day festivities and later during the holy month of Muharram.

For this purpose, a heavy contingent of policemen has been deputed at sensitive locations around the two cities, particularly in the red zone to avoid any untoward incident.

Security arrangements for the capital were discussed in a meeting in Islamabad presided over by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Waqaruddin Syed.

Noting that he will personally oversee all security arrangements during August 14 and Muharram, he directed all police officials to ensure their elaborate security plan is implemented.

He further directed to take strict action against those involved in one-wheeling, use of fire-crackers or any other mode on Independence Day. Those using tinted glass vehicles and bikes without silencers or documents should not be spared.

Apart from the regular police, personnel from the traffic police and other departments will be deployed to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the city while special squads will be constituted to patrol the streets. Additional contingents of police will also be deployed at all main shopping centres, markets, parks and various other important spots.

He also directed all police officials to maintain close liaison with peace committees and organizers of Majalis and processions in Muharram-ul-Haram. He directed to issue special cards to police officials deputed for the security of religious gatherings and Imambargahs.

DIG Operations Waqaruddin Syed directed to devise elaborate security plan and supervise all security arrangements himself in connection with Muharram-ul-Haram. He also directed all police officials to maintain close liaison with peace committees and organizers of Majalis and processions in Muharram-ul-Haram. He directed to issue special cards to police officials deputed for the security of religious gatherings and Imambargahs.

He asked to place barbed wires near venues where police officers are deployed, including on rooftops.

Moreover, he directed that arrangements should be made for checking each participant of Majalis and processions through metal detectors. Strict vigilance will be maintained to ensure that security measures are in place by the police and SOPs issued by the government are being followed, the DIG (Operations) maintained.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2020.