MANSEHRA: The authorities have directed the Afghan nationals to stay in their residential areas and camps on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

A press release issued by the district police officer on Thursday said that foolproof security arrangements were put in place for Ashura. It added that more than 1,400 police personnel would be deployed in and outsides imambargahs and other sensitive places in the district.

The press release said that according to an official notification, the Afghan nationals settled at camps and living in houses couldn’t leave their areas on Friday and Saturday. It added pillion riding was also banned in the district.

In Dera Ismail Khan, processions were held in connection with 8th Muharram on Thursday. The processions remained peaceful.

Plan in place for security of mourning processions

One of the processions passed through traditional routes and ended at Imambargah Haider Shah Shirazi. The second procession started from Imambargah Haider Shah Shirazi ended at Jamia Masjid Lato Faqir.

Police and other law enforcement agencies as well as volunteers provided security to the processions. The streets and roads leading to the routes of processions were blocked. The people going to the venue of processions were thoroughly checked by police.

However, due to security issues, mobile phone service remained suspended in the city on 8th Muharram. In the past, mobile phone service would remain suspended only on 9th and 10th of Muharram in the city. Pillion riding has also been banned in the city.

At the end of processions, special prayers were offered for maintenance of peace in the country.

In Abbottabad, police have put in place a foolproof security plan for Muharram processions as around 5,200 personnel will be deployed for the purpose.

Hazara DIG Tahir Ayub Khan has directed police to conduct search and strike operations in the areas around the procession routes and imambargahs.

The bomb disposal unit also checks the procession routes on a daily basis.

A CCTV control room has also been set up where technical experts monitor the situation.

DIG Tahir Ayub said that police were ready to deal with any kind of emergency situation. The officials of district administration, police, Rescue 1122 and other relevant institutions will also perform their duties till the end of the processions.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2023