Army deployed nationwide for Muharram

All four provinces, G-B, AJK requested Centre to deploy military

ISLAMABAD:

The federal government on Thursday decided to deploy armed forces across the country to ensure security during the month of Muharramul Haram.

The move comes on the request of the authorities in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to deploy military to control the law and order situation.

The Centre, under Article 245 of the Constitution, authorised the "deployment of army troops/assets and civil armed forces troops/assets" to ensure peace.

The month of Muharram, which marks the beginning of the new Islamic year 1445 AH, began on Thursday (July 20) and Youm-e-Ashura will be observed on July 29 (Saturday).

A notification from the interior ministry mentioned that the exact number of troops, date, and area of deployment of the army would be worked out by the local authorities.

The law enforcement agencies and local authorities had, apart from seeking army, made tight security arrangements to ensure that no untoward situation took place.

During the month of Muharram, believers hold large gatherings and processions across the country, with major processions taking place on Muharram 9 and 10.

The request from the provincial governments was reportedly made amid worsening law and order situation as the country witnessed a surge in terror activities in K-P and Balochistan.

Security measures across Sindh

The Sindh government, in light of Muharram, took several measures under Section 144 of the CrPC to ensure that no untoward incident would occur.

In a notification, the Sindh Home Department said it had banned people — except uniform staff, police, Rangers, and LEAs — from carrying arms/ammunition of all types.

"Misuse" of loudspeakers had been banned, while people had been warned against putting up objectionable and provocative posters, banners, distribution of leaflets and wall chalking.

The home department also banned playing cable transmission and VCRs at hotels and public places. “No person should be on rooftops of buildings, homes, etc, when a mourning procession is moving by that area.”

New mourning processions, rallies, majalis, and jalsa without prior permission had also been banned. At the same time, no more than five people could gather except if they were partaking in Muharram processions, majlis or tazia.

Pillion riding had also been banned from Muharram 9 to 10, while women, children below the age of 12 years, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, journalists, LEAs, and essential services personnel had been exempted. (With input from news desk)