Pindi boosts security at places of worship

Admin orders installation of cameras at mosques and imambargahs

RAWALPINDI:

Following security threats, the district administration and police have issued strict instructions to install closed-circuit cameras and walk-through gates and ensure security guards at all major mosques, imambargahs, churches, and temples throughout the district.

The committees of these places of worship have been directed to comply with these security measures. Additionally, orders have been issued to install high-quality closed-circuit cameras at all sites.

Assistant commissioners (ACs) in various areas will be responsible for monitoring mosques, imambargahs, churches, and temples. The district administration's directive states that cameras must be installed around all places of worship, covering both entrances and internal areas.

To address potential power outages, UPS systems and heavy-duty batteries must also be installed alongside the cameras. Walk-through gates will be required at all entry points.

The district administration has emphasised that closed-circuit cameras, walk-through gates, and security guards must be in place before Eidul Fitr. Station house officers (SHOs) of all police stations have been tasked with monitoring these measures.

Due to security threats, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) have developed a comprehensive security plan for Eidul Fitr. Under this plan, a heavy police presence, including commandos, will be deployed at all mosques, imambargahs, Eidgahs, and open grounds where Eid prayers will be held. Their deployment will begin at 6am and continue until the conclusion of the Eid prayer gatherings.

SOPs issued for Youm-e-Ali

Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has issued instructions to align the security arrangements for the central mourning procession of the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA) on 21st Ramazan (March 22) in Rawalpindi, with the Ashura security plan.

Under these instructions, the Rawalpindi district administration has mandated the complete closure of all shops along the procession route during the event.

Additionally, standing on rooftops, balconies, and verandas of buildings, shops, and houses on both sides of the route is prohibited. The gathering of building materials, storage of garbage, and parking of motorcycles and vehicles along the procession route will also be prohibited.

Barbed wire will be placed around the procession route for added security. The mourning procession will commence at 9pm from Mohan Pura and will follow the traditional route through Novelty Cinema Chowk, Kashmiri Bazaar, Iqbal Road, and Kak College Road, concluding at the central Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain at dawn during Sehri time.