Contingency plan: Police outline Eid security plan

Over 3,500 police personnel to be deployed at mosques, imambargahs across Islamabad

ISLAMABAD:

As Eidul Azha draws closer, the twin cities’ administrations have chalked out separate plans to ensure security for the religious festivities.

In the federal capital the administration has decided to deploy over 3,500 police personnel during the Eid prayers at 824 places in the city, said a police official.



The security arrangements were finalised on Tuesday after Inspector General of Police Tahir Alam Khan, chaired a meeting attended by senior police officials.

According to the security plan, over 3,500 police officers will be deputed on Eid at 824 places including 796 mosques, seven open spaces and 21 imambargahs.

The police said that elite commandos and officials of the Quick Response Force with the assistance of Rangers will continue patrolling the city. The bomb disposal squad will also search different areas.

Separate parking lots will be designated at a distance from mosque compounds and no vehicle will be allowed beyond those points, the official added.

Special security arrangements have been made at Faisal Mosque.

The police official said that sub-divisional police officers and station house officers will be responsible for the security of worship places in their respective areas.

The Ministry of Interior has also issued special directions to the Islamabad Police to remain on high-alert during Eid. Moreover, mobile patrols and police squads of Islamabad Traffic Police would also be present in markets and shopping centres during Eid days. The traffic wardens would be on hand to regulate traffic flow and ensure planned parking at tourist spots and markets.

Rawalpindi plan

The Rawalpindi administration has also finalised its security arrangements and over 2,000 police officers will perform their duties in different mosques and Imambargahs during the Eid prayers.

Special check posts will be established at entry and exit points in the city, where over 250 police officials will be deputed. Senior superintendents of police (SSP) will supervise security in their respective areas.

Muree Traffic plan

The traffic police in Muree also issued a special traffic plan for the hill station. At least 220 traffic wardens will be deputed in Murree during the Eid holidays. Five deputy superintendents of police will supervise the traffic plan. Mall road will be closed
for traffic and heavy traffic will not be allowed from 7am to 1pm.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2015.