Daily Times

The police have made security plan for the upcoming processions and religious gatherings during holy month of Muharram and a total of 14,000 security personnel would be deployed to safeguard faithfuls in the city.

Under the special directives of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, the police had finalized the plan for holy month, a police spokesman said. The plan received formal approval after a thorough review, and all wings of the police had been instructed to ensure seamless coordination to ensure the success of the plan, he added. DIG (Operations) Syed Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari directed all relevant officials to maintain close communication with peace committees and organizers of Majalis and processions. He directed to ensure cooperation with the police and law enforcement officials to facilitate smooth security operations.

The federal capital is set to witness a total of 181 religious gatherings (Majalis) and 965 processions during the holy month. The DIG issued strict orders for enhanced security arrangements during the religious gatherings, including thorough checks of participants.

Walk-through gates are to be installed at the entrance points of Majalis to ensure efficient screening.

Metal detectors will be utilized to thoroughly screen participants at Majalis and processions.

The police, along with peace committees, are to exercise strict vigilance to ensure effective security measures. In addition to the Police, Rangers and FC would provide assistance to ensure elaborate security arrangements. The DIG has instructed all Zonal DPOs, SDPOs, and officers in charge of police stations to arrange proper lighting in coordination with relevant authorities and clear bushes near the places of worship. To maintain order and safety, the processions will strictly adhere to predetermined routes and timings, and effective patrolling, including the use of commando vehicles, will be implemented. The CPO emphasized the significance of close coordination among all wings of the police.

The traffic staff is directed to ensure arrangements that avoid any inconvenience to road users, and special deployments will facilitate the smooth flow of traffic during alternate routes when processions take place.

Parking lots will be situated at a considerable distance from the processions, with proper security arrangements and the use of metal detectors at entry and exit points to enhance safety measures.