Pindi devises Muharram security plan

Processions to be monitored through 350 cameras across the city

RAWALPINDI:

To monitor the processions of Muharram this year, the Rawalpindi district administration and police have decided to install 350 cameras along the routes of processions.

According to a spokesperson for the police, every participant in the main processions will be closely monitored through these cameras, which will be rented and supported by the private sector.

A control room for these cameras will be set up at the CIA office in Rajabazaar, featuring small and large screens for surveillance.

Cameras will be strategically placed at key locations including Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, College Road around all six Imam Bargahs, Dingi Khoi Chowk, Old Fort, Bazaar Kalan, and Jamia Masjid Road. Specifically, 150 cameras will cover the sensitive route from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi Chowk in Raja Bazaar for the Ashura mourning procession.

Additional cameras will be installed around Madrasa Taleem Al-Qur'an.

Before the processions, the routes will be swept by a bomb disposal vehicle. The entire route will be sealed, with barbed wire installed and containers placed on main routes. Participants will be allowed entry through walk-through gates only.

The spokesperson further said the Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak has called meetings with custodians of all Imam Bargahs, processions, the district peace committee, and the interfaith harmony committee to discuss security for Muharram and related processions next week.

To ensure peace, the entry of flamboyant speakers from all sects into the Rawalpindi division will be banned, with lists being provided by the Special Branch. There will be a prohibition on carrying weapons, matches, and lighters in the mourning processions. For the Eid Miladun Nabi procession, large vehicles, horse carts, tractor trolleys, drums, bands, microphones, sticks, and weapons will be prohibited, with only duffles allowed. Two-way traffic on the procession route will also be banned.

Building materials, garbage, and encroachments will be prohibited along both procession routes. Streetlights will be repaired, and drains will be thoroughly cleaned. Additionally, placing bricks and stones on roofs, standing on windows and balconies, and peeping from roofs will be strictly prohibited.

Commissioner Khattak has issued strict instructions to the deputy commissioners of the four districts to hold meetings and finalise these security measures before Eidul Azha.