ISLAMABAD, July 18: The capital police has requested the district administration to ask Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) to avoid loadshedding during prayers, including Taraweeh time, to make security measures effective.

Inspector General of police (IGP), Islamabad in an official meeting asked police personnel and local administration to review the security arrangements and prepare a security plan for the Holy month of Ramazan, here on Wednesday.

Besides, the city administration was also requested to ask Capital Development Authority (CDA) to arrange proper lighting around all the places of worship and cut bushes, where ever there is a need.

According to the plan 700 places of worship in the city were put under surveillance for safety.

During the meeting it was decided to deploy security personnel, police officials, private guards and representatives at around 660 mosques and 40 Imambargahs.

As per requirement and sensitivity, the places of worship were divided into three categories. In category A 64 mosques, and 29 Imambargahs have been placed, while 263 mosques and seven Imambargahs in category B, and 365 mosques and four Imambargahs in category C.

Category A is considered most sensitive with extra deployment of security personnel along with commandos. As per security plan, only one gate for entering would be kept open.

Mosque committees would conduct checking through metal detectors and would also deploy private security guards for the purpose. The security arrangements would be made under the supervision of five Superintendents of Police.

Special vigilance teams were also constituted to check and monitor the police officials deployed at security duties around the places of worship and checkpoints.

The teams will also be provided vehicles for patrolling and conduct checking in different areas.

Police reserves had been called from Police Line Headquarters and assigned to every police station with the purpose of ensuring effective security duties at places of worship.

Police stations were also directed to coordinate with office bearers of trader unions in their respective areas to ensure effective security along with security guards.

During the meeting, IGP also made the provision for providing food to policemen performing duties at police pickets, during Sehr and Iftar hours.

The IGP asked Station House Officers (SHOs) to brief people in their areas, regarding safety of homes during prayer hours and to instruct residents to keep their lights on at all hours.

The IGP also announced the launch of a special drive against professional beggars and assured that they would not be allowed to gather outside places of worship. —Staff Reporter