‘Foolproof’ security plan devised for Ramazan

Over 6,000 personnel to be deployed at places of religious congregations

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi police have devised a security plan to maintain law and order during the holy month of Ramazan.

Over 6,000 policemen will be deployed for the security of more than 3,000 mosques and Imam Bargahs across the district.

As per the plan, Elite Force commandos will be deployed at the entrances and exits of mosques during Fajr and Teraweeh prayers. With the consent of the mosque committees, more than 12,000 volunteers will also assist law enforcement agencies in security arrangements.

Personnel will also be deployed for the security of Ramazan bazaars and iftar dinners. A senior police officer said on condition of anonymity that the Rawalpindi police have divided the mosques and Imam Bargahs into three parts.

Temporary pickets will be set up at the entrances of Category “A” mosques, while snipers will be deployed on the roofs of the mosques. All worshipers entering the mosques will be allowed to enter after a comprehensive body search.

The police officer said that more than 1,200 personnel including SHOs of all police stations will be in the field to ensure the deployment of more than 6,000 police personnel.

There will be a complete ban on temporary stalls around all sensitive mosques and gatherings of beggars. More than 16 Sasta Ramazan bazaars will be set up across the district where a large number of buyers are expected.

Walk-through gates will be installed at the entrances of all markets in collaboration with the district administration and special branch, while CCTV cameras will also be installed at all important locations.

Attendance of all personnel will be ensured based on location through a mobile app.

The police officer said that in the month of Ramazan, more than 12 places in the city iftar tables will be decorated by philanthropists and various welfare organizations in which thousands of fasting people are expected to come. In this regard, special instructions have been given to the SHOs of all the police stations to ensure the body search of the fasting persons by contacting the management of the respective iftar tables.

The police officer said that the Loudspeaker Act will remain in force to maintain inter-faith harmony during Ramazan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2024.