Heightened security for Eidul Azha

ISLAMABAD: More than 1,500 police personnel will patrol the roads of the city during Eid holidays to restrict crime. As residents leave for their native towns, empty houses and streets make it easier for criminals to break and enter.

Police will be increasing their strength during the holidays keeping this in mind.

Rangers will also be assisting the capital police to protect the Red Zone, home to important government installations and diplomatic enclave.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) issued instructions to all Sub-Divisional Police Officers SDPOs and SPs of all the four security zones to ensure fool-proof security of their respective areas.

Special attention will be paid to the security of mosques and places of Eid congregations.

More than 300 policemen will be deployed for the security of Faisal Mosque, where the largest congregation of Eid will take place. Police said walkthrough gates and scanners will also be installed at the entry and exits points of the mosques.

The Interior Ministry has issued special directives to Islamabad police to remain on high alert to avert any untoward situation in the capital.

According to a recent directive by the Ministry of Interior, nobody may enter the high-security zone without a National Identity Card.

Checking of heavy vehicles will be further enhanced and no vehicle lacking proper documents will be allowed to enter the city.

Duty rosters will be devised by the police stations concerned for effective police patrolling in residential sectors round the clock to ensure protection against burglaries.

The bomb disposal squad will remain on standby. All public places, parks and play grounds will be kept under strict vigilance and security cover.

For the security of the Garrison city of Rawalpindi, more than 2500 personnel of police will be deployed at over a hundred points in the city.

City Police Officer Wasal Fakhar Sultan Raja has directed the police to deploy 10 units of Quick Response Force and 15 units of reserved force for the security of Eid congregations, imambargahs and mosques.

He has also instructed the officers concerned to provide proper security to the open places selected for Eid congregations by installing walk-through gates and security walls around them.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2010.