Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan was briefed in detail about the possible security threats that could arise in light of the evolving scenario in neighbouring Afghanistan where Taliban returned to power after 20 years as US and NATO troops exited the country.
While chairing a meeting on Monday to review the law and order situation, the CM decided to beef up security throughout the province especially the entry and exit points.
During the meeting, the chief minister highlighted that the situation in Afghanistan will have a direct impact on K-P and it warrants extraordinary security arrangements.
He ordered the police and other law enforcing agencies to be more vigilant and proactive, directing them to continue operations against anti-state elements more effectively and to expand coordination with intelligence agencies.
The CM termed maintenance of law and order as the foremost responsibility of the government, adding that the provincial government would ensure all the necessary measures to ensure stability in the province.
The meeting was also briefed in detail about the security arrangements for Ashura, making a number of decisions to deal with them effectively.
The participants were informed that seven districts have been declared sensitive and over 33,000 police personnel have been deputed for security throughout the province whereas special control rooms have also been set up at provincial, divisional and district levels.
According to authorities, 585 processions and 5,000 majalis would be held across the province.
In order to ensure inter-sect harmony during the month of Muharram, religious leaders of different sects have been fully engaged at provincial, divisional and district levels and strict actions are being taken against those involved in posting hateful content on social media.
Moreover, arrangements were said to be made to ensure strict monitoring of hotels and other places around imambargahs and traditional routes of Muharram processions. It was decided in the meeting to suspend mobile phone networks on the 9th and 10th of Muharram in sensitive districts of the province.
Stressing the need for implementing Covid-19 SOPs in Muharram processions, the chief minister directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps in this regard.
Read More: Civil services: a national security threat?
He also ordered cancellation of leaves of hospital staff in all the sensitive areas of the province during Muharram apart from directing to ensure suitable arrangements for the accommodation of police staff of other districts deputed for security in Peshawar.
Acting Chief Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, Divisional Commissioners, Regional Police Officers and other civil and military officials attended the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 17th, 2021.
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