ISLAMABAD: Civil armed forces will be deployed in the country to assist the local administration in maintaining law and order during the month of Muharram.

In a meeting held at the Interior Ministry here on Thursday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed while presiding over the meeting said special security arrangements would be made for sensitive areas. Efforts would be made to promote religious harmony during Muharram, he added.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the federal government, Punjab, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan law enforcement agencies. Home Secretary Yousuf Naseem Khokhar also attended the meeting.

The minister asked officials to ensure peace during the month, adding he will also visit provincial capitals to review the law and order situation.

Meanwhile, the capital police increased patrolling in the city to keep an eye on suspicious elements and activities.

Officers of the capital police told Dawn that sub-divisional police officers and station house officers were collecting details of majalis and procession conduct in their areas during the month. Details are being collected from organisers and they have been asked to provide under takings.

Besides, they have also been asked to furnish details of volunteers so their status could be verified and identification cards could be issued to them.

All superintendents of police are conducting meetings with ulema, scholars and traders in their areas and seeking their assistance in maintaining peace during the month, they added.

Teams and officials of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) will be deployed at sensitive imambargahs for security purposes, they said, adding smart cars will carry out surveillance around them.

Drones will also be used for air surveillance of processions and adjacent areas, they said, adding police commandos will perform security duties around other imam barghas during majalis.

The Bomb Disposal Squad would conduct checking of routes through the use of modern technology while entry of participants in the procession would be ensured after complete checking, they added.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2021