Daily Times

KHAIRPUR/SUKKUR: A meeting regarding security arrangements for Muharram was held on Saturday. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sayed Feroze Shah. Shah emphasised on the importance of combing and searching operations and close coordination between all security agencies during the holy month.

While giving a briefing, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ghulam Azafar stated that all sensitive areas, procession routes, imambargahs, mosques, madrassahs as well as all entry and exit points would remain under vigilance during Muharram. The Sukkur Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) stated that search operations would be conducted at hotels, inns and public places to make security foolproof. He said that it was of utmost importance that deployed forces remain on high alert round the clock. He also stressed that the ulema had a vital role to play in keeping the peace. Later, the DIG visited a number of imambargahs and issued instructions to concerned staff regarding security arrangements.

SSP reviews Muharram security: A meeting chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amjad Shaikh and attended by various Addition Superintendents of Police (ASP), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) and religious scholars regarding Muharram security arrangements.

It was said that 3100 police personnel will be deployed to provide security to 1280 majalis and 145 processions in the district.

The SSP said that 400 Rangers will be deployed along with the police to avert any untoward situation and maintain law and order in the district. He also informed the meeting that no procession would be allowed which hadn’t been registered with the authorities.

He also stated that procession timings and The Loudspeaker Act would be strictly enforced. Individuals and clerics from banned groups wouldn’t be allowed to address any gatherings or take out any processions.

He stressed that the ulema had an important role to play in maintaining peace and the need for them to forge intersect unity among themselves. He said hate speech would not be tolerated in any forms including wall chalking and banners.

The SSP called inter-sect rivalries a conspiracy by Pakistan’s enemies which needed to be countered.

Published in Daily Times, September 24^th 2017.