KOHAT: The district administration has unveiled an elaborate security plan for the peaceful observance of Muharram by deploying 2,500 policemen, declaring high alert in hospitals and banning entry of Afghans into the city.

In this regard, deputy commissioner Akmal Khattak and district police officer Javed Iqbal chaired separate meetings which were attended by officials of security agencies, line departments, assistant commissioner Gul Bano, SP Jameel Akhtar, SHOs, councillors, traders and local elders.

Chairing a meeting, the DC ordered that the Afghan refugees would remain confined to their camps while hospitals would remain on high alert during Muharram.

He directed the health department to cancel all leaves of the staff during Muharram and ensure their round-the-clock presence.

The tehsil municipal administration and water supply and sanitation company were asked to keep the mourners’ route clean and repair the roads wherever necessary.

Addressing an open kutchery, the DPO called upon the people to forget their differences and ensure peace and harmony during Muharram.

He said that all entrances to the city would be sealed.

BANK WORK AFFECTED: A large number of bank customers faced problem due to some technical fault in PTCL lines as the system remained down for the whole day on Friday, sources said.

NBP, main branch, vice-president Hayat Khan Mehsud told this correspondent here on phone that they had over 30,000 accountholders majority of whom were being affected.

He said that a large number of accountholders could not make transactions in the main branch and the ATM cards were not being linked to the accounts, which was essential for activation.

When contacted, SDO PTCL said that only the systems of NBP and one other bank were not functioning properly.

He said that the system was being modified in the exchange and the work would be completed within a day or two.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2017