ISLAMABAD: While the capital police have devised a security plan for Muharram, 13 points have been identified as potential trouble spots with a history of tension in the past.
The points included Burma Town, Alipur, Noorpur Shahn, Shah Allah Ditta, Imambargah Musa Kazim, Imambargah Qadeemi Talha Syedan, Darbar Shah Mubarak, Darbar Sakhi Mehmood, Ali Masjid G-7 and Imambargah Qadeemi Dhoke Mohri.
Police officers said as part of security, organisers of processions will be asked not to accept Niaz or any kind of drink for distribution amongst the participants without prior checking. There had been incidents in which poison was mixed in Niaz by saboteurs in the past.
Police officials said 88 processions were taken out from Muharram 1 to 10 - 20 from Muharram 11 to 20, 18 from Muharram 21 to 29/30 and 55 in Safar. Out of the total, 16 are placed in category A, 93 in B and 72 in C.
About 31 processions are also scheduled to be taken out without getting no-objection certificates. Besides, 27 new processions will be held first time this year.
About 956 majalis are also scheduled to be held; 681 from Muharram 1 to 10, 95 from 11 to 20 and 31 from 21 to 29/30 and 158 in Safar.
Police will be deployed in three tiers as part of the security plan. The first tier will be deployed at 200 yards from a procession’s front.
On the request of the police, the district administration has banned the entry of 17 firebrand Ulema belonging to different schools of thought in the capital for two months. Besides, the administration has also restricted seven Ulema from delivering speeches and sermons at any public and religious gathering in Islamabad for two months.
Police along with magistrates will inspect mosques and seminaries and will ensure that no stranger is allowed to stay on the premises without due verification and their particulars incorporated in their registers.
The routes of processions will be cleared by Bomb Disposal Squad of Special Branch.
The squad will also carry out checking of vehicles through their special gadgets at different places.
Special Branch will collect and communicate information concerning terrorism/sabotage. It will also make arrangements for recording of speeches and sermons in mosques and majalis.
Security Division will make arrangements at all key points, foreign installations, diplomatic enclave and high security zone. All guest houses, hotels will maintain a proper record of all visitors.
Counter Terrorism Department will depute police in plainclothes at shrines, including Bari Imam, Golra Sharif and Sain Boota Sarkar. Traffic police will make diversions and parking arrangements.
Police will check pillion riders especially youngsters and record their details, especially around Imambargahs.
A flag march involving all forces and district administration will be held on Muharram 6 and 8.
Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2025