Keeping guard: Mosques not fully secure says police

FAISALABAD:

Security of hundreds of mosques across the province during taravih prayers is inadequate, a police spokesman said on Friday.

Talking to newsmen, he said Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Sukhaira had been informed by law enforcement agencies of security lapses at mosques.

He said the IG had reprimanded the officials concerned and directed them to to improve security. The spokesman said there were no body searches at 39 mosques in Multan, 33 in Rawalpindi, 21 in Khanewal, 15 in Okara, 15 in Vehari, 11 in Faisalabad, 10 in Hafizabad, 9 in Chakwal, eight in Sialkot, eight in Gujrat, seven in Layyah, seven in Lahore, six in Sahiwal, six in Bahawalpur, five in Attock, four in Jhelum, three in Nankana Sahib, three in Chiniot, three in Muzaffargarh, two in Khushab, two in Sheikhupura, two in Rajanpura and one in Kasur.

The spokesman said security arrangements were also inadequate at 51 mosques in Rawalpindi. He said it was important for the police to ensure security at mosques as Eid approached.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2014.