ISLAMABAD: Ulema, Capital admin agree on code of conduct
By Mobarik Virk
ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: The deputy commissioner of Islamabad, Tariq Mehmood Khan, has said the entry of ‘fire-brand’ speakers will be banned within the limits of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) while distribution of objectionable posters, pamphlets, literature and wall-chalking has been declared strictly prohibited in the federal capital during the month of Muharram.
In a meeting held here in the office of deputy commissioner, ulema from different school of thoughts, the Islamabad administration and police reached an agreement to work together for maintaining peace and avoid any disturbance by showing religious tolerance during the month of Muharram. The meeting discussed the issue of maintaining peace during the month of Muharram.
The spokesman for the DC office said all the ulema and khateeb extended assurance that they would follow the ‘code of conduct’ issued by the Auqaf Department of ICT for maintaining law and order during the month of Muharram.
They also promised that atmosphere of sectarian harmony and brotherhood would be maintained and they will continue to promote religious harmony in their sermons. They also agreed to keep the volume of loudspeakers in the mosques and Imambargahs at low level during religious congregations and majalis during Muharram.
The deputy commissioner informed the meeting that strict vigilance would be observed in the federal capital, especially at all the Imambargahs and mosques, during the month.
He said special security arrangements would be made and protection would be provided during the Moharram processions. A complete ban on display of weapons within the limits of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) is already in place and it will be observed strictly during the month of Muharram.
Meanwhile, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Syed Kaleem Imam, told Dawn that all Station House Officers (SHOs) had been directed to take extra steps to maintain law and order situation within the jurisdictions of their respective police stations.
He said in addition to present police force, an additional 500 to 600 officials from the Islamabad Reserve Police (IRP) would be put on duty during the month of Muharram to maintain law and order in the federal capital.
He said while the IRP jawans would be deployed for extra security arrangements at mosques and Imambargahs, the services of 300 to 400 private security guards as well as the volunteers will also be utilised during the month. The SSP said the Muharram majalis will be allowed only at the already approved places and Imambargahs and no additional majlis at a large-scale will be allowed.
He urged people to observe the understanding reached between the ulema and khateeb of all school of thoughts, the Islamabad administration and the Islamabad police and avoid holding public majalis at any unauthorised place.
He said maximum security would be ensured along the routes of Muharram majalis and processions and the SDPOs and SHOs concerned had been directed to ensure maximum security and safety of the people attending these Majalis and processions during Muharram.
He also urged the people to extend cooperation and help police maintain peace in the federal capital during the month of Muharram which is expected to start from March 2 or 3.
Earlier, the deputy commissioner said the ‘peace committees’ at police station level had already been re-activated and a control room had been established in the DC office.
Our Chakwal Correspondent adds: Army will assist the local administration in maintenance of peace in the district during the holy month Muharram.
Eighteen different points and villages have been declared sensitive and will be manned by the army personnel. Lt Col Akhter Iqbal Malik will be in charge of the army team.
Major Sheraz Ali called on District Police Officer, Chakwal, Ch Mohammad Zaman Langrial on Saturday and discussed with him the security plan. The DPO told him that seven other villages had also been placed in ‘B’ category and these also needed special consideration.
