QUETTA: Around 5,000 security personnel have been deployed in the provincial capital to ensure complete security during Muharram majalis and Ashura.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Quetta Range, Abdul Razzaq Cheema said at a press conference that 35 new CCTV cameras had also been installed on the routes of the Muharram processions.

He said that tight security arrangements had been made to maintain peace and order during Muharram, especially on Ashura. “Around 5,000 police personnel have been deployed on the routes of the Muharram processions, entry and exit points; and at all important places of the provincial capital,” he said.

DIG Cheema said that 4,200 police personnel would provide security to processions and imambargahs, while over 5,000 policemen would perform security duty on Ashura day. He said that the Ashura procession would be monitored through helicopters.

“Around 70 to 100 religious gatherings are held at about 56 imambargahs in Quetta during Muharram,” he said, adding that 2,500 police personnel would perform duty in and around imambargahs.

He said that a control room had also been established at the CCPO office to monitor Muharram processions and their routes.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2016