ISLAMABAD, May 25 The capital territory administration on Monday banned establishment of slums and new construction in the adjacent localities of Bari Imam Shrine as a security measure during the Urs celebrations from June 7 to 11.

During a meeting held to review the security arrangements for the Urs here, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Asadullah Faiz directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA)'s enforcement staff not to allow any slum settlement and new construction at the adjacent localities of Noorpur Shahan.

He also directed the CDA to intensify its anti-encroachment drive in the area and evolve a viable strategy to deal with the issue on a permanent basis.

The meeting was informed that the local administration and the police had made extraordinary security arrangements this year. About 24 walk-through gates and 22 CCTV cameras would be installed in and around the vicinity of the shrine while metal detectors will be used for body search of the visitors.

The meeting decided that heavy contingents of police would be deployed in and around the shrine. Besides, women police and civil defence volunteers will also be deputed in the locality.

Besides, a control room will be set up at the shrine to monitor the movement of visitors.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements for car parking and traffic during the Urs days. It was decided that a shuttle service would be arranged for the devotees on the occasion.

The meeting also discussed deployment of fire brigade vehicles and ambulances at the shrine. The security of the capital city during the period would be put on high alert.

It was decided that search lights would be installed in and around the vicinity of shrine.

The health department of city administration will set up three dispensaries which would work round the clock.

The meeting was informed that the Auqaf department had also made elaborate arrangements for the devotees during the Urs.

Opinion

Editorial

Environment deficit
Updated 05 Jun, 2026

Environment deficit

Pakistan knows all too well the consequences of environmental neglect.
Rights concerns
05 Jun, 2026

Rights concerns

TWO recent news reports have highlighted foreign concerns about the state of human and labour rights in the country....
Patient care crisis
05 Jun, 2026

Patient care crisis

HEALTHCARE in Pakistan is a footnote. Claims by successive governments to introduce vast reforms with huge schemes...
Budget delay
Updated 04 Jun, 2026

Budget delay

With economic stabilisation yet to translate into tangible improvement in living standards, the country’s leaders are finding it increasingly difficult to ignore demands for relief.
Absentee lawmakers
04 Jun, 2026

Absentee lawmakers

TWENTY per cent. That is the percentage of lawmakers whose commitment to their vocation is reflected in the time ...
Deliberate provocations
Updated 04 Jun, 2026

Deliberate provocations

THE latest events at Al-Aqsa Mosque reflect the growing impunity with which extremist Israeli settlers operate. ...