RAWALPINDI: Contingents of the army, Rangers, police, Elite Force, Dolphin Force and traffic police carried out a flag march, demonstrating their resolve to maintain law and order in Muharram.

“The security level will remain on high alert on Muharram 9 and 10,” SSP Operations Kamran Asghar told Dawn.

The flag march under the command of the SSP operations and SP Security Raja Nasir started from the Police Lines Headquarters and passed through different areas, including Aamar Chowk, Rawal Road, Murree Road, Commercial Market, Pirwadhai and Chandni Chowk, and ended at the police headquarters.

The purpose of the flag march was to express the determination of the Rawalpindi police to establish peace and order and promote unity in Muharram, a police spokesman said.

All steps are being taken for foolproof security arrangements for all Majalis and processions. Implementation of the code of conduct and SOPs issued regarding Muharram will be ensured, he said.

Special monitoring is also being done on social media, legal action will be taken against those found spreading religious and communal hatred. No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands, the law will act upon violation, the SSP said.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani expected that the peace-loving citizens of Rawalpindi would fully cooperate with the police and administration in ensuring peace and order.

The federal government has already asked the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police of four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure strict monitoring of firebrand religious figures and hateful contents.

The government also asked authorities concerned for immediate action against fiery speakers linked to those organisations.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2024