Better safe: Nisar for strict checking at entry, exit points

Capital police will keep close eye on 23 religious leaders on watch list.

ISLAMABAD:

The Interior Minister has issued special directives to beef up security in the twin cities for the month of Muharram.

Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan ordered Rawalpindi and Islamabad police forces to ensure thorough checking at all entry points to the cities, remain “extremely vigilant” at Muharram processions and utilise visual monitoring of sensitive buildings to avoid any unfortunate incident during Muharram.

The minister also directed law enforcement agencies of the twin cities to implement their security plans in letter and spirit. He also directed the Quick Response Force teams, supported by Rangers, to be placed on high alert.

Khan issued the directives during a high-level meeting to discuss the country’s overall security situation on Thursday.

The police have also been asked to maintain vigilance during the Muharram processions, especially after dispersal of crowds. Khan also stressed the need for better coordination between Police and Rangers during Muharram.

Securing the suburban areas of the twin cities from suspected criminals and a “joint command and control system” for major cities were also discussed at the meeting.

According to the Islamabad Police’s security plan, all police officers will be on duty and coordinate with organisers of processions and gatherings to ensure that the 179 processions and 909 gatherings planned during Muharram are held in secure conditions.

The Islamabad Police is going to maintain close vigilance of 23 religious leaders whose names are on the Schedule 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, some of whom are linked with banned outfits and all of whom are required to report their whereabouts.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2013.