Pindi tightens security for Muharram processions

RAWALPINDI:

Six major mourning processions of Zuljinah, Alam, Tazia, Jhoola and Mehndi will be taken out on Ashura on Friday, June 26, to commemorate the sacrifice ofIman Hussain and the martyrs of Karbala.

Security arrangements have been finalised, with police conducting a flag march as a show of force. Rangers will be deployed in support, while the army will remain on red alert. Processions will be monitored through aerial surveillance and drones. A specialised bomb-detection and disposal robot and a modern response vehicle have also been requisitioned.

Mobile phone and internet services will remain suspended, while all routes will be sealed from tonight. Containers and barbed wire have already been placed and even small streets connected to procession routes will be blocked.

A ban has been imposed on pillion riding along procession routes. Carrying weapons, sticks, matches and cigarette lighters into processions will also be prohibited. Standing on rooftops, balconies and windows overlooking procession routes has been banned, while keeping stones and bricks on rooftops has also been declared prohibited.

Mosques along the routes will remain open only for Azan and prayers and sealed for the remainder of the time.

The stretch from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi has been declared highly sensitive, where commandos will be deployed on rooftops. Around 500 CCTV cameras have been installed and entry will be allowed only through front and walk-through gates.

Metro Bus service will remain suspended. Parking and storage of building materials along procession routes have been prohibited. Drains and sewers on both sides of the routes have been ordered to be cleaned and treated with lime.

Police, Special Branch and Civil Defence teams, assisted by trained dogs, machinery and equipment, will conduct searches and clear routes. Bringing motorcycles into processions has been prohibited.

Emergency measures have been enforced at all hospitals in the city, with doctors and paramedical staff directed to remain present. Ambulances will accompany the processions.