ISLAMABAD: Security measures put in place around places of worship, especially during Friday prayers, were found unsatisfactory, raising concerns about public safety.

Police officials told Dawn that the Islamabad inspector general of police himself found security arrangements around worship places unsatisfactory and compromised when he visited mosques and imambargahs during Friday prayers.

The police chief visited several worship places, including Jamia Masjid Bibil in Sector G-6/3, to check and review security measures during Friday prayers. However, he found improper arrangements at the mosque, as no police official was present on duty.

Besides, improper and unsatisfactory security arrangements were also found at various worship places in the capital, including some located inside the high-security zone.

IG visited several worship places to check and review security measures during Friday prayers

There were no security arrangements around a number of worship places. In some cases, an unarmed lone policeman was spotted near such places, while seminary students were sitting at the main entrance to ensure security.

The police chief observed that negligence in security could lead to compromised public safety, officials said.

It was the prime responsibility of supervisory officers to ensure comprehensive security arrangements at worship places in accordance with the security plan and to have it implemented through station house officers, they said.

Officials noted that all failed to perform their duties professionally and efficiently. Surprisingly, no supervisory officers were in the field to check duties or question SHOs over non-implementation of the security plan, especially during Friday prayers.

In response, supervisory officers and SHOs were questioned over their failure to implement the security plan. Show-cause notices were issued to SHOs from the office of the AIG Establishment, stating, “The negligence in connection with security could compromise public safety.”

Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi was approached for comments but did not respond.

The capital has 990 mosques and 33 imambargahs. Worship places have been divided into three categories. 43 mosques and 21 imambargahs have been placed in Category A, 351 mosques and seven imambargahs in Category B and 596 mosques and five imambargahs in Category C.

Most worship places in Category A belong to the Deobandi sect and face threats related to terrorism and sectarianism.

Most worship places in Category B belong to the Barelvi school of thought. These places also face terrorism and sectarian threats, along with disputes over land ownership and possession.

Worship places without serious threats have been placed in Category C. There are no significant sectarian issues or disputes at these locations.

The categorisation was made after a security audit of worship places by the Special Branch of the capital police, the Counter Terrorism Force and other police wings. Assistance was also taken from intelligence agencies, officials said.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2026