ISLAMABAD: Over 16,000 personnel from Islamabad police and Rangers have been deployed for security during Muharramul Haram, overseeing 181 processions and 965 majalis across the city.

As the deployment will remain intact till the 19th of Safar, a control room has been established at Safe City building to monitor all processions and majalis.

According to a spokesperson, IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi will monitor all security arrangements.

Moreover, to ensure proper inspection of duties at processions and majalis, 10 vigilance teams have been formed. All DIGs, SSPs and AIGs of Islamabad police have been assigned to security duties.

He said search operations were being conducted daily throughout the district, and surveillance of processions and majalis was being carried out through over 3,000 CCTV cameras and drones.

Quick response teams are also on high alert to respond to any emergency, the spokesperson said. Dolphin squads will patrol the areas surrounding the processions and majalis, the spokesperon added.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, over 500 traffic officers have been deployed.

“Special briefings and training sessions have been conducted for personnel and volunteers. Women personnel have been deployed for security checks at female majalis and processions. All DIGs, SSPs, and SPs are conducting daily visits to Imambargahs. Separate parking arrangements have been made for vehicles and motorcycles at majalis and procession venues,” he said.

Meanwhile, SSP Operations Mohammad Shoaib Khan on Sunday reviewed security arrangements at various Imambargahs and procession routes.

According to the police spokesperson, a crackdown on potential threats and enhancement of security preparedness is being carried out under the special direction of IGP Islamabad to maintain peace and harmony during the holy month.

He said SSP Mohammad Shoaib Khan, accompanied by SHOs and other police officers, reviewed the security arrangements and inspected the designated routes for religious gatherings and processions. He issued necessary instructions to the concerned officials to ensure strict implementation of the security plan.

The SSP said Islamabad police are committed to providing foolproof security during Muharram, with special emphasis on the protection of majalis and processions. He directed that SOPs be implemented in letter and spirit.

He added that measures are also being taken to promote sectarian harmony and tolerance among different communities throughout Muharram.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2025