TAXILA: The local administrations and the police of Attock, Taxila and Wah Cantonment have finalised security arrangements for Eidul Fitr.

In Attock, as many as 907 security personnel would be deployed at mosques, imambargahs has and eidgahs.

District Police Officer Khalid Hamdani while talking to newsmen on Wednesday said the security personnel include 662 volunteers, seven DSPs, 14 SHOs, 124 SIs and ASIs, 762 constables and 22 sections of elite force would provide security on eid day.

He said during Eid prayers police would guard 382 worship places including 350 mosques, 20 Imambargahs and 13 open places. He said that a control room has also been established for the purpose.

Responding to a question, the DPO said the security plan had been chalked out in collaboration with the district administration and other law enforcement agencies.

He said all police officials had been directed to remain on high alert to avert any untoward incident during Eid days. Mr Hamdani said no person would be allowed to enter mosques or Imambargahs without proper body search.

Walk-through gates would be installed in open places besides establishing car parking away from congregation. “Police in-charges of all circles would ensure proper security arrangements at Eid congregations,” he said.

The DPO said special directives had also been issued to all officers concerned for effective security measures.

While in twin cities of Taxila and Wah, security around 220 mosques and 12 imambargahs has been heightened to avert any untoward incident.

Sources said the police have made elaborate security arrangements for the two cities, and uniformed and plainclothes police will be deployed at sensitive locations in the city.

He added that in view of the overall security situation, law enforcement officials would also be deputed on the rooftops of sensitive buildings and important areas.

Mosques will be under police observation on the eve of Eid to avert any untoward incident.

Sources in the local administration said that law enforcement agencies have deployed additional security personnel, including police, outside mosques, shopping centres and other public places.

Moreover, special arrangements have been made at the city’s entrance and exit points and police pickets have been increased.

The city police have put their reserve force on a standby to augment security. Sources said police officials have been directed to take action against those involved in wheelie on G.T. Road, new city during eid days.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2021