KARACHI: The Pakistan Rangers and Sindh police on Tuesday reviewed the plan for foolproof security arrangements for Yaum-i-Ali procession on 21st of Ramazan (May 27), said a statement issued here.

It said that a meeting to review and finalise arrangement was chaired by the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh Director General Omar Ahmad Bukhari at the Rangers headquarters, which was also attended by top officials of the Sindh police.

“The meeting decided to make all due security arrangements for processions and Majalis as well as sensitive installations. The code of conduct of the Sindh government would be implemented. The meeting also reviewed security measures and other arrangements for security during Ramazan,” it said.

Meanwhile, a Karachi police officer citing the security plan devised by the law-enforcement agency said that multiple arrangements had been made for security of the main procession.

“The entire route of the Yaum-i-Ali procession, would be sealed,” he said. “Every individual attending the procession would be thoroughly checked by the personnel of the law-enforcement agencies and volunteers of different organisations managing the procession’s administration. During the procession of Yaum-i-Ali, all markets on the route would remain closed.”

As part of security measures, he said, all entry points along the route of the procession would remain sealed off till late night.

The procession following its traditional route would pass through Empress Market, Regal and Tibet Centre before emerging on M.A. Jinnah Road. The procession would culminate at the Imambargah Hussainian Iranian, Kharadar, he added.

“A team of the bomb disposal unit would sweep the route ahead of the procession. Besides, service of the Karachi police K-9 unit would also be employed for the security of the procession,” said the official. “At the culmination of the procession, buses would be arranged at Tower traffic intersection for the transportation of the mourners. Besides deployment of Rapid Response Force, police commandos and armed personnel of Specialised Police Unit of police and additional forces would also be deputed for the procession’s security.”

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2019