Security stepped up for Muharram

Lahore police finalises plan for Muharram processions

LAHORE:

Lahore police finalised a comprehensive security plan during the Muharram to ensure the peace and safety of the citizens.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana said that the security of processions and Muharram gatherings would be ensured, and the policemen would be vigilant to ensure the safety and security of the people.

A total of 38 Category A, 161 Category B, and 28 Category C gatherings would be held in the provincial capital, he said.

The CCPO said a detailed assessment of mourning processions and gatherings were conducted. He added that supervisory officers for category A processions and gatherings should remain present in the field for security checking.

24-hour surveillance through security cameras would be established along the routes of Muharram processions and for the purpose, a central control room had been set up, he said. Similarly, proper arrangements for lighting would be made at the locations of Muharram processions and gatherings, he added.

Kamyana emphasised that the implementation of special SOPs (standard operating procedures) for mourning processions would ensure the security of mourning processions, saying that in anticipation of rain, measures were being taken, including coordination with district administrations and other departments to remove obstacles and hanging electrical wires along the procession routes.

Female police officers would be deputed to ensure the security and checking of women mourners. Similarly, advanced technology, including walk-through gates and metal detectors, would be used for the security of sensitive processions and gatherings, he added.

The CCPO ordered that search and sweep operations and flag marches should be continued.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 21^st, 2023.