No room for error: Foolproof security planned for Ashura

Over 15,000 policemen securing majalis, processions, places of worship

LAHORE: Police claimed on Thursday to have made foolproof arrangements across the city to ensure the peaceful passage of Muharram 9 and 10.

Over 15,000 policemen have been deployed to secure over 3,800 majalis, 606 processions, 787 Shia mosques and 297 imambargahs over Muharram 9 and 10. Over 5,000 policemen have been tasked with securing the central Ashura procession slated to commence from Nisar Haveli.

All processions and majalis are being monitored by CCTV cameras and a special control room has been set up at the office of the Operations DIG in this regard. A four-tier security plan has been implemented. Mourners are physically searched, scanned, frisked with metal detectors and made to pass through walkthrough gates before being allowed to enter the proceedings.



The department had also cordoned-off areas within two kilometres of the main Muharram 9 procession with barbed wire and containers. Police teams were also seen patrolling main streets across the city. The department has also been carrying-out searches across all divisions. Police claimed to have arrested 43 suspects in the searches late on Thursday. The department is believed to be using five choppers to allow senior police officials to survey the city. Policemen in civilian attire have also been deployed at venues to prevent any untoward incident. Policewomen have also been deployed to frisk woman mourners.

A ban has been imposed on pillion riding and the proscription on public exhibition of arms is being vigorously enforced.

Operations DIG Haider Ashraf told The Express Tribune that securing citizens’ lives and properties was police’s mission. He said the department had left no stone unturned to ensure the safe passage of Muharram. The DIG said all police officials had been inspecting security arrangements across the city.

A Rescue-1122 spokesperson said the service had been placed on high-alert. He said 27 ambulances, 12 fire engines and four other state-of-the-art vehicles had been deployed on the occasion. Edhi officials said 30 ambulances and 100 paramedics had been deployed to provide first-aid to mourners on Muharram 9 and 10.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2015.