January 07, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 27, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: Local administrations and the police have invigorated their plans to maintain peace and security during Muharram, besides making preparations for all contigencies.

A control room has been set up in the office of Deputy Commissioner Amir Ali Ahmed in the capital city to ensure law and order in the month of mourning.

The decision to this effect was taken in a high-level meeting presided over by Mr Ahmed.

The deputy commissioner asked other relevant departments to make foolproof security arrangements for Majalis and processions. He also instructed them to install floodlights in streets and around procession sites.

“Ambulances, supply of water and cleanliness must be ensured and officials of the civic departments should remain on high alert,” he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police Syed Kalim Imam, District Health Officer Dr Fazal, assistant director of Civil Defence and other officials also attended the meeting.

In Rawalpindi, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ahmed Nasim directed his subordinates to ensure peace and security during Muharram.

He said police should keep an eye on suspected terrorists to avert any untoward incident, adding that strict action was essential to wipe out the anti-social elements and stymie their nefarious designs to sabotage peace.

The IGP called for special security arrangements outside Imambargahs and provision of maximum security to Muharram processions.

“People involved in causing disturbance through religious aggravation and provoking people will be dealt with iron hands,” Mr Nasim observed.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi police have completed all the security arrangements in connection with Muharram.

Organisers of the mourning processions and the Rawalpindi administration have also unanimously agreed to strictly follow the security guidelines in view of the fear of terrorism.

This was decided in a special meeting headed by Superintendent of Police Rawal Division Khurram Haider Warraich here on Sunday.

Senior police officials of all the circles of Rawalpindi and organisers of mourning procession attended the meeting and discussed the security arrangements.

WALL CHALKING: Potohar Town Nazim Hamid Nawaz Khan has imposed a ban on wall chalking in the town limits, and warned that criminal cases would be registered against the violators.

Speaking in a meeting of the Town Municipal Administration, he said no one would be allowed to install banners or hoardings that fanned sectarianism. He vowed to maintain sectarianism harmony.

The TMA was also directed to start anti-encroachment operations in urban union councils, which were postponed due to the elections.

During the meeting, he also instructed the relevant authorities to take strict action without any fear against hoarders, who were looting the masses.—Agencies

Our Correspondent from Gujar Khan adds: Public representatives and religious scholars at a meeting in the office of subdivisional police officer here urged people from different schools of thought to show tolerance towards each other during Muharram.

Ahmed Hussain Chohan, superintendent of police Saddar Rawalpindi, briefed the local representatives and religious scholars about the security plan during the month. He said unity among different religious sects should be maintained to foil any subversive move.

Raja Taifoor Akhtar, SDPO Gujar Khan, also briefed the participants on the security plan. He also took suggestions from the participants regarding implementation of the security plan.