Enhanced security measures for Muharram in Islamabad

Islamabad:In response to potential security threats from terrorist groups during Muharram-ul-Haram, the Federal Capital Police have devised stringent security measures.

A high-level meeting chaired by IGP Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi has outlined comprehensive strategies to ensure peace and safety throughout this sacred month. Under the leadership of DIG (Operations) Syed Ali Raza, law enforcement officers have formulated a specialized security plan. This plan includes the deployment of various forces and the utilization of advanced technology to preempt any acts of terrorism.

The Federal Capital Police have implemented strict security measures during the month of Muharram-ul-Haram in response to threats of terrorism from terrorist groups. It is expected that 181 processions and 965 gatherings will take place in Islamabad from the 1st of Muharram to the 2nd of Rabi-ul-Awwal, with over 16,000 officers assigned security duties during Muharram-ul-Haram.

Before finalizing the security plan, meetings were held with scholars and clerics from all schools of thought, as well as members of the peace committee and intellectuals. To strengthen security, Pakistan Rangers, Punjab and Frontier Constabularies, and other law enforcement agencies will support local police in countering any untoward incidents. These forces will be deployed at sensitive installations and buildings, and strict checks will be conducted at all entry and exit points of the city.

Processions will be monitored through Safe City cameras, and armed police personnel will be deployed on rooftops during gatherings and processions. Police armored vehicles will also be present to handle any unforeseen situations, and strict adherence to timings will be ensured for gatherings and processions. All routes along the procession routes will be blocked with barbed wire, and special checks will be conducted before the processions begin. The routes will also be cleared by the bomb disposal squad.

Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), Anti-Riot Force, Anti-Terrorism Force, and other counter-terrorism forces will accompany the processions, with all gatherings and processions being video recorded using drone cameras. Participants will undergo thorough searches before being allowed to join the processions, and there will be a complete ban on vehicles and motorcycles entering the processions, except for ambulances. Metal detectors and walk-through gates will be installed at entry and exit points for security checks, with special attention given to under-construction buildings along the procession routes. Adequate lighting arrangements will also be made for gatherings and processions. The officials directed the participants of the meeting to carry out their duties with professionalism, responsibility, and dedication throughout Muh­arram-ul-Haram.