ISLAMABAD: The capital police will deploy 2,400 personnel at mosques and imambargahs for security during Eidul Azha congregations.

Police teams have also been deployed at cattle markets and for patrolling the area around them, officers of capital police told Dawn.

They said approximately 80,000 to 100,000 animals come to the main cattle market of the capital, adding that the police would remain on high alert on Eidul Azha to avert any untoward incident.

The officers said armed guards and policemen would be deployed at 990 mosques and 33 imambargahs in Islamabad during Eidul Azha congregations.

64 mosques, imambargahs placed in Category A, 358 in Category B, 601 in Category C

The police have divided 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, they said.

These categories were made after a security audit of the worship places by Special Branch of the capital police, Counterterrorism Department, the officers said, adding that walk-through gates would be installed at the gates of Category A worship places.

Volunteers will also assist the police in maintaining security of the worship places, they said, adding that special squads had been constituted to patrol Category A mosques and imambargahs.

The Logistics Division of the police has been asked to strengthen security of all the police installations in the capital during Eid celebrations, the officers said, adding that all policemen have been directed to remain vigilant during the week.

The officials said they had also been asked to properly search and verify the visitors to important buildings including police stations. Besides, the police have also been asked to ensure effective combing at all exit and entry points of the capital and surroundings.

The bomb disposal squad will ensure checking of various areas and important buildings, they said, adding that the area police (police stations) have been asked to ensure effective combing in the wooded and slums areas located in their limits and also check details of visitors and guests staying in hotels, guest houses and inns.

The officers said the Safe City Project had also been asked to keep an eye on suspicious elements in commercial areas and vehicles on roads, the officers said, adding that patrolling plan has also been devised for different sectors for the safety and protection of lives and property of people.

The mobile officers and police guard posted will take action against beggars roaming around mosques, imambargahs and public places, they said.

SSP (Operations) Dr Syed Mustafa Tanveer said protection of life and property of the citizens was the priority of the police.

Talking to Dawn Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat said NOCs for collection of animal hides had been issued to seven to eight welfare organisations. Directives have also been issued to the capital police to ensure that banned organisations do not collect hides, he added.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2021