KARACHI, May 14: Police have been put on a high alert to ensure peace in the metropolis on Eid Milad-un-Nabi on Thursday. The rangers would also be deployed to assist the police, a senior police official said.

More than 10,000 policemen will be fielded to maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful atmosphere during religious processions and activities in connection with the Eid Milad-un-Nabi.

“The police stations in the city have been directed to increase patrolling, using armoured personnel carriers, vans and motorcycles in their respective areas and keep a constant vigil on suspicious elements”, DIG Karachi Operations Tariq Jamil told Dawn on Wednesday.

He said station house officers and DSPs have been told to remain on duty round-the-clock and not to leave their offices.

He said the snap checking was also being carried out at specific points in the metropolis.

Besides, the police sources said setting up of makeshift police pickets all over the city, street-patrolling and aerial patrolling by a police helicopter will be among the security arrangements to keep a vigil on suspicious elements.

They said the rangers would also be in the city to assist the police in maintaining peace.

The sources said a series of meetings were held between government officials, police high-ups and Ulema from both Shia and Sunni sects after which a contingency plan was devised. They said the routes allocation was mutually agreed upon so that the processions and rallies could be provided better security.

The police deployment atop buildings along routes of processions would also be included in the security provision plan. The bomb disposal squad has also been put on alert to meet any untoward incident. Besides, the police-hired camera-men would record the proceedings of the processions. A police helicopter would also make a film during aerial patrolling.