Strict monitoring of Ashura processions under way

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Secretary Dr Shahzad Bangash has ordered strict monitoring of the Muharram processions across the province.

He visited control room established in Home and Tribal Affairs department to review security arrangements for 9th and 10th of Muharram on Monday.

Secretary Home Khushal Khan on the occasion briefed chief secretary and said that all the majlis and processions are effectively monitored in 14 districts of the province and so far no untoward incident has taken place anywhere.

The home secretary further said that a special software had been launched to monitor processions and majalis, the access of which has been given to chief minister’s secretariat, chief secretary office and district administrations. In addition, section 144 has also been imposed across all the sensitive districts.

Khushal Khan explained that excellent coordination among all stakeholders is ensured and all the security agencies are on high alert to deal with any untoward incident.

Chief secretary Dr Shahzad Bangash expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements and lauded efforts of home department to this effect.

The chief secretary directed authorities to keep a close watch on situation and ensure that Muharram concludes peacefully.

Meanwhile, the district rescue emergency 1122 service has made comprehensive arrangements to provide prompt services and effectively deal with emergency situations on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

According to the rescue 1122 spokesperson special motorbike medical and fire-fighting teams have been deployed at various places in the district to provide prompt medical aid to people.

He said the motorbike ambulance service had further enhanced the operational capacity of the emergency services and these teams equipped with medical kits and fire extinguishing gadgets had proved to be very effective, especially in congested areas.