Emergency services put on high alert for Muharram 9, 10
LAHORE
Law Enforcement Agencies especially Punjab Police’s Integrated Command, Control and Communication (PPIC3) System and Emergency Services have finalised security arrangements for the processions and Majalis on 9th and 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram.
All emergency services have been put on high alert to meet any untoward incident. Search and sweep operations are underway to nab suspected criminals and terrorists. It is also worth-mentioning here that mobile phone service will remain suspended on 9th and 10th of Muharram especially on and around the routes of main processions.
DIG Operations has written a letter to DCO for the suspension of mobile service. He has also requested for a ban on pillion riding. At least 17,000 police officials, including volunteers will perform security duties at and around the route of main procession starting from Nisar Haveli (Walled City) and concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah and other processions; 300 CCTV cameras have been installed. Police have also arranged 150 barricades, 40 containers, tents and barbed wires. To check their preparedness in case of any untoward situation, police also conducted mock exercises at imambargahs.
DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf also visited Pando Street and Data Darbar to review security arrangements for main procession and Ghusal ceremony respectively. He said all security arrangements had been finalised; the participants would be checked under three-layered security while the CCTV cameras had been installed and linked with the PPIC3 after the launch of first phase of the mega project. Snipers have also been deputed at the high-rises. Parking arrangements have also been finalised. Only one entry and exit point will be given for the processions and majalis to ensure foolproof security and to bar the entry of suspects. Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers will also conduct aerial surveillance during the procession for the protection of lives and properties of participants.
Meanwhile, SP Mujahid Karar Hussain led a Flag March in different parts of the City to create a sense of security and deterrence against criminals and terrorists in the minds of citizens. Punjab Emergency Response Unit, Dolphin Force, Elite Force and Mujahid Squad participated in the march. SP Mujahid said Lahore Police would leave no stone unturned to ensure foolproof security on the eve of Muharram. He said the citizens should also play their role by exposing suspects in their circles. Moreover, Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Director General Mian Mohsin visited the procession route and reviewed the arrangements of emergency cover which will be provided to the procession particularly Karbala Gamay Shah and Mochi gate.
District Emergency Officer, Lahore briefed at site about all arrangements made by Rescue 1122, Lahore. Deputy Director and other senior officers from headquarters and District Lahore were also present.
District Emergency Officer Lahore informed that Rescue 1122 Lahore would remain on emergency alert with 31 fully-equipped Emergency Ambulances, 16 Fire vehicles, five Rescue vehicles, six specialised vehicles and 50 mobile posts will move along with the processions; 35 Special Rescue key points will be established to provide swift medical cover, including Imambargah Bhakewal More, Bhati Chowk, Niaz Baig Village, Ali Raza Abad, H-Block Model Town, Islampura procession, Rang Mahal Chowk, Jafria Colony, Ada Shabil Hando Village, Samanabad, Chungi Amar Sadhu, Kottha Pind, Nishat Colony/ RA Bazaar, Cavalry Ground, A-Block Model Town, Nishtar Town, Batapur Attokey Awan, Aziz Puli, Lal Pul Mughalpura and Imamia Colony, Shahdara.
Talking to reporters, the director general said 7,000 rescuers, 637 Emergency vehicles had been assigned special emergency duties for all districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan, DG Khan, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sahiwal Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Mianwali, Pakpattan, Kasur, Gujrat, Bahawalnagar, Jhelum, Attock, Khanewal, Vehari, Chakwal, Okara, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Lodhran, Nankana Sahib, Khushab, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Layyah and Bhakkar and Chiniot.
All mobile posts and ambulances with medical kits shall be moving along with the processions to provide mourners with emergency medical care if needed. Emergency officers, including doctors shall supervise the arrangements on both days.
Director General said such arrangements were essential for mass gatherings so that any emergency could be responded in an efficient manner and it was the moral responsibility of citizens to give way to the Rescue Emergency Ambulances and Fire Vehicles. He advised citizens to dial 1122 in case of any emergency, only timely call can ensure timely rescue, he added.