Security during Muharram
In order to ensure peace and security during Muharram, the police have started to prepare their plan. A few days ago, in Lahore, a team of high police officials, led by the Capital City Police chief, discussed the security arrangements with stakeholders such as supervisors of Imambargahs and organisers of Majalis, religious leaders as well as members of divisional and executive peace committees. The police officials visited Imambargahs and routes of mourning processions in the city. The police have sought the cooperation of people from various groups to help maintain peace, religious and social harmony as well as the spirit of brotherhood on the occasion of Muharram.
Some 15,000 cops drawn from various squads and units of the police force will be deployed for security outside Imambargahs, along the routes of mourning processions and at public places. The police, with the assistance of the Counter Terrorism Department and the Federal Investigation Agency, will keep a strict watch on elements on social media who would try to cause hatred among people by uploading hate material. Those who spread hate through other means will also be dealt with sternly.
This year the authorities are to ensure strict security measures because of the deteriorating situation on the northwestern border and also in view of the overall political situation in the region, as it is feared that enemies might attempt to disrupt peace and tranquillity in the country. The police have also drawn attention of the people towards the external dangers the country is facing and sought their support for maintaining extra vigil against enemy machinations in order to frustrate their nefarious designs by engineering tensions in Pakistan.
Moreover, the police will also help implement SOPs against the coronavirus pandemic in view of the increase in cases of the virus, especially its more dangerous Delta mutant, in various parts of the country. The administration and the police have urged all sections of people to extend a helping hand in containing the pandemic.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2021.
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