ISLAMABAD, Dec 28: The city police here on Sunday finalised the arrangements in connection with Muharram and further intensified security in the federal capital, official said.
Besides a strong contingent of police, Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), police commandos, private security guards and members of peace committees will be deployed to maintain law and order and avert any untoward incident.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ahmad Latif assigned special duties to the police personnel – both in uniform and plainclothes – to provide security cover to the mourning processions and Majalis.
The ATS personnel and police commandos will patrol the city roads during the month to keep a watch on suspicious people.
Services of Pakistan Rangers will be requested if needed, however, the paramilitary personnel will be deploy at sensitive installations and all entry and exit points of the city.Five sensitive spots – G-6/2, I-10/2, Noorpur Shahan, Shah Allahdita and Tarli – were identified for extra deployment.
Adequate security arrangements will also be ensured for the main processions, which will be monitoring through security cameras. A control room had also been set up in the SSP office to supervise the security arrangements round the clock during Muharram.
SSP Latif had directed all the sub-divisional police officers and station house officers to remain extra vigilant during the period and perform their duties more responsibly. “No negligence will be tolerated in this regard,” he added.
He also asked them to hold meetings with the members of local peace committees in order to ensure peace and security.
The police officer also urged the peace committees to strictly check the entry of strangers into the places of worship during Muharram.
Police and Rescue-15 teams were also directed to increase patrolling in the city.
Instructions were also passed on to the law enforcers to gear up the drive against beggars. Similarly, the police were also directed to conduct checking of hotels, motels, guest houses, inns and bus stops for the security purposes and collect the particulars of the visitors and occupants.
During the month of Muharram, a total of 132 processions will be taken out in the city and its suburbs. Similarly, 626 Majalis will also be arranged.