Just like last time?: ‘Foolproof’ security plan finalised for capital

Around 900 policemen to guard 685 mosques, 40 imambargahs.

ISLAMABAD:

The capital’s law enforcement authorities said they have prepared a “comprehensive security plan” for Eidul Azha to ensure residents’ safety.

According to the security plan shared by the Islamabad Police, more than 875 policemen, 1,140 private security guards and 15 teams of Anti-Terrorist Squad commandoes will perform security duties on Eid.

The police said security will be bolstered at public places, places of worship and other important buildings around the federal capital. In all, the police will be providing cover to 685 mosques and 40 imambargahs during Eid prayers, the authorities said. Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sikandar Hayat directed the police to remain on high alert and be fully prepared during the Eid days.



The Islamabad Police are looking to avoid a repeat of any militant activity, such as the foiled suicide bombing attempt at a Bhara Kahu mosque on the first day of Eidul Fitr in August. A suicide bomber was able to break into the Ali ibne Abi Talib mosque on Kayani Road while firing at the congregation but was shot down by a private security guard after his suicide vest failed to explode. The security guard later died of his injuries.

Walk-through gates and scanners will be installed at Faisal Mosque, which holds the largest congregation on Eid day.



Mobile patrols and police squads of Islamabad Traffic Police would also remain present at commercial markets and shopping centres during Eid days. The police said the bomb disposal squad, which failed to make a timely appearance at the scene of the Bhara Kahu incident on Eidul Fitr, will remain available at short notice.

The police said pickets will be set up at key entry and exit points to the city to ensure effective checking and police patrols will supplement the check-posts.

Sub-divisional police officers and station house officers will be in-charge of the security around places of worship.

Officials of the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) said traffic wardens would be on hand to regulate traffic flow and ensure planned parking at tourist spots and markets during Eid holidays.

Rescue 1122, CDA prepared too

In Rawalpindi, Rescue 1122 officials said meetings have been organised with local mosque committees to ensure local volunteers are available in case of any emergency. A district control room will be working round the clock for provision of emergency services. The managements of hospitals have been taken on board regarding the preparations, Rescue 1122 officials said.

Meanwhile, the entire 2,500-strong sanitation staff of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will be available for Eid duty and will work 24 hours in three shifts, according to the agency. The CDA has divided the capital into four zones for effective waste management during Eid. CDA officials said at least 29 deep ditches would be dug at 17 different locations in the capital for proper disposal of animal remains and other waste.

Two emergency cells have been established, one at the Sanitation Directorate and the other at the Transport Cell of the Sanitation Directorate at Fire Brigade Headquarters, which would work during Eid days, according to the CDA.

CDA Chairman Nadeem Hassan Asif has requested residents to cooperate with sanitation staff and to place animal remains in front of their houses where sanitation workers could pick them up, instead of throwing them into green spaces.

The capital’s residents can register complaints for collection and waste disposal at Sanitation Directorate Help Line 1334 and the following telephone numbers 051-9213908, 051-9203216 and 051-9211555.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2013.