Public safety: Likelihood of terrorist attacks shapes Muharram security plan

14-point notification issued by Home Department outlines plans and suggestions for peace and order during the month.

LAHORE: “Due to the operation against the extremists in the Tribal Areas, there was a likelihood of terrorist strikes…this month we are the most vulnerable,” a report following the high-level provincial intelligence coordination meeting which was attached to this year’s security directive notification for Muharramul Haraam states.

The meeting was presided over by Home Secretary Shahid Khan. Additional Inspector General (Operations) Rafique Hassan, Additional IGP (Counter Terrorism) Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhera, ISI’s Director Shaukhat Ali, Special Branch’s DIG Akram Naeem Bharoka, the Home Department additional secretary, Military Intelligence’s Major Faisal Niazi and Sheikh Mohammed Umar of the Intelligence Bureau were present.

A 14-point memorandum titled Maintenance of the Peace and Order before, during and after Muharram 2010 was then issued by the Home Department to all the district coordination officers, the range police officers and the district police officers.

The security plan looks for coordination between the local police, the tehsil municipal authorities and the district administration to prepare a comprehensive security mechanism in order to maintain peace and order during Muharram.

The Counter Terrorism Department, the Special Branch and the local police, it says, must develop a mechanism to regularly share information among them.

The areas of concern include thorough mapping of the majalis venues and the banning of the anti-state and subversive activities, extremist, sectarian and militant organisations.

With reference to Muharram processions, the memo is directed to the local governments.

The memorandum contains directions on the monitoring of orators misusing the loudspeakers, wall-chalking, anti-Shia gatherings and any hate material targeting the Shias.

The security plan discussed in the meeting suggested specific measures that could be taken to keep peace and order during Muharram and prevent any untoward incident.

The suggested measures  included constituting special task forces in all the districts and providing added security to religious sites that are declared sensitive.

It also included taking stern measures to prevent suicide attacks which are considered as the major threats during this month.

The meeting resolved that the activities regarding the banned organisations should be reviewed regularly to block potential terrorist outfit operatives and their local facilitators.

The security plan also emphasised the surveillance of the 2,155 people listed in the 4th schedule of the 1997 Anti Terrorism Act.

Out of the number 1,431 people have deposited surety bonds, 55 remain untraced, 40 are in various jails, 20 have left the country and 23 have shifted their residence.  68 of the people have been declared ‘proclaimed offenders.’

Action against 518 people is still pending.

The Civil Defence Department has been directed to ensure that the bomb disposal staff works round the clock during Muharram.

It has also been asked to assist and provide first aid to the mourners during Muharram processions.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2010.