RAWALPINDI, March 12: The district government on Wednesday sought cooperation of the administration of the local Imambargahs in maintenance of peace during the Ashura processions.

District Nazim Raja Tariq Kiyani, in a statement, said a comprehensive plan had been chalked out for the security of the processions. He said the administration of the Imambargahs had been directed to keep two armed gunmen on the rooftops. He said the police would guard all roads and streets linking the procession routes. He said a large number of police personnel had also been deputed at all troubled spots. The Nazim said the Civil Defence would also assist the local administration in maintenance of peace.

The Nazim said all city hospitals had been directed to activate their emergency plans and keep beds reserved to meet any emergency. The hospitals, he said, had also been asked to ensure presence of senior doctors in the emergency wards during the Ashura days.

In addition to the ambulances accompanying the procession, he said, medical backup would be kept at Rescue 15 as well. Mr Kiyani said the procession routes had been cleared of debris and garbage.