Chehlum preparation: Security tightened across the country

In view of possible terror attacks, PTA likely to suspend cellular networks.

PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE/ KARACHI:

In view of the threat of terror attacks and sectarian incidents, the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) will be observed today across Pakistan amid tight security.

There are also reports that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is likely to suspend the mobile phone networks in various cities across the country.

In Rawalpindi – the scene of the worst sectarian clashes during Ashura – around 7,000 regular police personnel and 10 companies of Rangers and Pakistan Army troops have been deployed for security duties at Chehlum procession.

To avoid any untoward incident and clash between two rival groups, Rawalpindi administration on Monday sealed Raja Bazaar and closed all roads leading to the busiest market. Army soldiers and Rangers also kept patrolling the area and various other parts of the city.

Preparation in Sindh

The Sindh government on Tuesday called army to ensure the security of the main Chehlum procession in Karachi in view of the terror threats.

The MA Jinnah Road has been closed for traffic and entry points along the central procession route have been sealed with barricades and containers.



Arrangements in Quetta

Some 400 army troops will remain on standby while over 4,000 law enforcing agency’s personnel will ensure law and order during Chelum processions in the Quetta today.

Balochistan Home Secretary Asad Gilani said apart from the troop on ground, two helicopters would also continuously make surveillance over the city from morning till evening.

Situation in K-P

In order to ensure law and order in the restive province during Chelum, the K-P government has taken various security precautions including imposition of curfew in certain areas.

In Peshawar, a ban has been imposed on pillion riding and display of arms. Additional contingents of police, deployed in different parts of the city, have also increased patrolling, according to a press release. In Bannu, there will be curfew today (Tuesday) from early morning till 5pm.

Pak army and Frontier Corps have also been deployed in sensitive areas of Hangu district said a press release.

Punjab update

In Lahore, CCTV cameras have been installed along the route of the main procession and majlis sites in the city.

“Security teams equipped with sophisticated weapons have started round-the-clock patrolling in wireless fitted vehicles in the sensitive areas,” said Capital City Police Officer on Monday.

In Punjab’s second largest city, Faisalabad around 3,240 police personnel have been deputed for chehlum security. According to an official, 1,300 volunteers will also perform security duty at rooftops along procession routes.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2013.