Muharram processions: Capital’s security arrangements finalised

Police chief asks all stations to be vigilant during the month.

ISLAMABAD:

The capital police have chalked out a comprehensive security plan for the upcoming Muharram gatherings and processions which they are terming to be ‘fool-proof’.

On a related note, a decision has been taken to launch a search operation in the slum areas of Islamabad, especially areas where Afghan refugees reside, according to an Islamabad police spokesperson.

Inspector General of the Islamabad Police (IGP) Sikandar Hayat has directed all wings of the police to ensure complete coordination and effectiveness during the operation.

The order also directs the senior superintendent of police operations (SPP) to monitor the proceedings of the operation in person, while all relevant SPs have been asked to coordinate with the SSP’s office on a daily basis.

No official would observe Muharram holidays during the time and it will be mandatory for the participants and organisers of the processions to get clearance certificates from the concerned police station before arranging any public gatherings.

The statement said that a total of 909 religious gatherings and 177 processions (159 traditional and 18 licensed) will be held in the city.

Flanked by SSPs from around the city, Operations SSP Dr Muhammad Rizwan also held a meeting to address the problems that might occur at the entrance and entry points of the processions and directed his subordinates to closely watch the people who have been listed in the fourth schedule and ensure that the relevant stations knows their movement outside the city.

Meanwhile, Rangers will also assist the Islamabad police to ensure security arrangements.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2013.