RAWALPINDI: Under the current security and law and order situation, Islamabad Capital Territory police have decided to conduct a security audit of all Imambargahs to ensure foolproof security in Muharram and to avert any untoward incident.
On the other hand, a training session was organised for scouts (volunteers) at Police Lines Headquarters Rawalpindi on Friday as part of the Muharram security arrangements.
In a directive by the inspector general of police Islamabad, all zonal superintendents have been directed to conduct a security audit of all Imambargahs within three days and send reports to the DIG office.
According to police sources, a pro forma was also sent to the concerned police with a directive to take up the issue on top priority basis. Muharram is likely to commence on June 26/27 subjected to the sighting of the moon.
Training session held for volunteers at Police Lines Headquarters as part of Muharram security
All SPs should have complete information about the routes and flash points of category “A” processions and majalis to be held in their respective areas.
The plugging of roads and streets for processions and majalis will be made with shipping containers or trucks in addition to using barbed wires etc. The SPs will have to supervise all security arrangements.
Keeping in view the security concerns, search and combing of areas along the routes and venues of processions should be conducted by the bomb disposal teams.
Dustbins attached to power poles will be closely monitored because such bins had previously been used for terrorism in other districts, the police directive said.
As part of the foolproof security, the ICT police have started a search and combing operation and are preparing an adequate security plan for Muharram.
Rawalpindi
On the direction of CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani, a training session was organised for scouts (volunteers) at Police Lines Headquarters regarding security in Muharram.
The scouts were informed about providing first aid and how to deal with emergency situations. They were also taught about the procedure for searching people joining gatherings/processions.
All steps are being taken to ensure foolproof security arrangements during Muharram, said the CPO in a statement. On the otherhand, a security meeting was held at the office of the superintendent of police Potohar on Friday.
According to a police spokesman, the meeting was informed that the code of conduct and SOPs issue by the Home Department regarding Muharram will be ensured at all costs. People attending gatherings/processions will be allowed entry through walk-through gates and after full body search. All gatherings/processions should start and end at their designated times according to the SOPs.
The implementation of the code of conduct and SOPs will be ensured at all costs and all resources are being utilised to maintain peace and order during Muharram. The organisers of gatherings/processions have assured the administration of their cooperation in implementation of the SOPs.
Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2025