ISLAMABAD, Feb 7: Elaborate security measures, including imposition of Section 144, have been taken for maintaining law and order in the capital during the holy month of Muharram , and army will also assist the district administration in this regard, a senior official told Dawn.

He said a meeting, presided over by Acting Chief Commissioner Tariq Mehmood Pirzada, was held at the chief commissioner's office to discuss arrangements for Muharram. Ulema belonging to different sects participated in the meeting.

The official said army would remain standby on one-hour notice and could be called out to assist the district administration in providing security to the participants of processions and meetings.

A separate security meeting was also held at the General Headquarters Rawalpindi. The meeting was attended by the officials of Military Intelligence, III Brigade, special branch, police and local administrations of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The official said under Section 144, wall-chalking, display and use of firearms, distribution of objectionable literature, use of loudspeakers, playing of cassette players in open areas and holding of processions and rallies other than Azadari processions had been banned.

He said Azadari meetings outside Imambargahs and other specified places would not be allowed. Guards of private security agencies would be deployed at various places like weekly bazaars and other commercial and public places, he added.