PESHAWAR: Security will be on high alert in the provincial capital during Muharram, while the police personnel will be deployed at all checkpoints and entry points of the city to provide peaceful environment to mourners.

This was stated by capital city police officer Tahir Khan during a meeting with elders of the Imamia Jirga and caretakers of local imambargahs here.

The meeting was called to discuss security arrangements for the city during Muharram.

Besides Imamia Jirga general secretary Sardar Sajjad Hussain and additional general secretary Farzand Ali Khan Bangash, Shia Ulema Council chief Muzaffar Ali Akhunzada and other Shia elders, SSP (operations) Abbas Majeed Marwat was also attended the meeting.

The CCPO said the police would ensure peace in Peshawar during Muharram.

He said the police would set up a control room to coordinate policing during the month, while personnel would be deployed on rooftops to maintain peace.

Mr. Tahir Khan said the personnel of various police branches would be deployed across the city to maintain law and order.

He asked Shia elders to ensure that no provocative speeches are made during Muharram and that the police are Security to be on high alert in Muharram informed in case of finding anything suspicious.

The Shia elders assured the police bosses of their full cooperation in maintaining peace in the city.

Also in the day, Peshawar commissioner Dr. Fakhr Alam held a meeting with the representatives of Anjuman Tableegh-i-Islam in his office here on Muharram security.

Deputy commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud and ATI elders Syed Zahir Ali Shah and Buniyad Hussain attended the meeting.

A statement issued here said the participants decided that they would engage the Ahl Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Imamia Jirga, AIT and other groups to ensure peace during Muharram.

The meeting was informed that the assistant commissioners and other officials would be on duty during Ashura days along with the police.

On Tuesday, the district administration had held meetings with leaders of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and Imamia Jirga to discuss security arrangements.

Published in Dawn September 29th, 2016