ISLAMABAD: The capital police have taken security measures for Eidul Azha and Independence Day, sources told Dawn on Friday.

Security will be on high alert for all important and public places, especially worship places and police installations, police officials told Dawn.

Police will be deployed at worship places and Eid congregations on Monday, while security will be on high alert for all police installations next week.

The police have also been asked not to allow anyone enter the police installation without proper search and verification, the sources said, adding police pickets would be set up at all important entry and exit points for checking of vehicles.

The capital police have strengthened security of public, worship places and other important buildings on Eidul Azha, the sources said.

The sources said the security plan had been finalised at a meeting, which had identified more than 975 mosques and 33 Imambargahs where armed guards and policemen would be deployed during Eidul Azha prayers.

They said the worship places had been divided into three categories, putting 43 mosques and 21 Imambargahs in Category A, 351 mosques and seven Imambargahs in Category B and 596 mosques and five Imambargahs in Category C.

Walkthrough gates would be installed and SDPOs would ensure proper security of Eid congregations in their respective jurisdictions.

The SDPOs and SHOs would be responsible for the security of worship places, the police said, adding additional police contingent would also be provided to them on their request for the patrolling and security of Eid congregations in various sectors.

The mobile officers and police guard posted at mosques, Imambargahs, public and picnic places will keep an eye on beggars, the sources said, adding that police teams would also be deputed at intercity bus stands to address passengers complaints about high fares, they stated.

The police will also ensure safety of properties and check theft and car lifting incidents during Eid holidays.

All police officials have been directed to strictly check wheelie and stunts on roads.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) will deploy 470 policemen at various markets of the capital and mosques to streamline traffic.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2019