Eid prayers will be offered under strict security

Rawalpindi police declare more than 50 locations highly sensitive

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi is all set to host Eid congregations amidst tight security as police have declared more than 50 locations highly sensitive.

Police sources said that more than 3,000 locations and mosques in Rawalpindi will hold Eid prayers and congregations on Saturday (today) under tight security.

Worshippers will be permitted to enter mosques, Imambargahs and Eidgahs after a thorough inspection and body search.

According to sources, staff from the health department, allied hospitals and Rescue 1122 have also been put on high alert to cope with possible emergencies.

Eid prayers will be held at Liaquat Bagh, the Government Gordon College, the Government Degree College Satellite Town, Eid Gah Sharif, Rawal Road Park, Jamia Islamia.

More than 4,000 police officers will perform security duties and regulate traffic on city roads.

Like every year, more than 3,000 big, small open spaces, mosques, and Imambargahs will hold Eid prayers in Rawalpindi, according to police authorities.

It has been classified A, B, and C to ensure the security of both big and small congregations.

Under category A, elite commandos will be stationed at the entrances of Jama Masajids, Imambargahs and Eidgahs, while armed troops will be stationed on the rooftops of major mosques.

Walk-through gates will be installed at the entrance to ensure the security of Eid prayer gathering at Liaquat Bagh.

According to police sources, more than 50 locations have been designated as highly sensitive and included in the A category. These locations are Eid Gah Sharif, Government Gordon College, Eid Gah Gwalmandi, Government Degree College Satellite Town, and Liaquat Bagh Sports Complex.

Security tasks will also be carried out by mosque committee members and volunteers, in addition to the police and other law enforcement agencies. To guarantee the implementation of the security strategy for Rawalpindi, all divisional SPs would be physically present in the field.

Police and the Dolphin Force will monitor major thoroughfares. Police patrols will be carried out to ensure the safety of the city's main business centres, banks, and closed offices.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi police have decided to deploy 1,000 more policemen in different tourist points including Murree for the protection and security of tourists during Eid holidays.

The tourism police are already working in Murree and the additional deployment is aimed at helping them reach out to tourists in case of an emergency.

A large number of tourists is expected to move to tourist places including Kotli Satyan, Kaguta and other locations. Around 260 additional traffic police officers will also be posted in the tourist places for a better flow of traffic during Eid holidays.

Senior officers will also present at different places for better motor supervision. The Murree tourism police will be there to the protection of tourists.

CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani said in this regard that 14 special check posts have also been established in different areas for the protection of tourists during Eid holidays. Moreover, he said, six facilitation centres have also been established in Murree for the guidance of the tourists. Murree police are working round-the-clock for providing protection and other facilities to the tourists. The best security and traffic arrangement will be ensured through effective coordination between departments, he said.

Police have issued instructions that tourists should follow directions from the police, the local administration and the MET office. In case of any emergency, tourists can contact the police on its helpline 15.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2023.