Strategy revised as new terror plans surface

Karachi
The Karachi police, after receiving an intelligence report that Taliban and Sipah-e-Sahaba terrorists were planning to carry out attacks in Karachi during the month of Muharram, particularly at imambargahs in Qasba Colony, Peerabad and Orangi Town and on mourning processions, have revised their security plan to prevent them.
Karachi police chief Mushtaq Mehar has ordered DIGs to ensure that all precautionary steps were taken and the cops deployed at different vulnerable locations remained alert at all times. The additional IG Karachi has also issued the intelligence report to different police ranges and wings.
The report discloses that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan was trying to carry out terrorist activities during Muharram in Qasba Colony, Peerabad and Orangi Town.
Besides, the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan too was planning attacks, especially on the first of Muharram – the eve of Yaum-e-Farooq-e-Azam (RA).
The letter mentioned the names of some terrorists including Amjad, Ehstasham and Zahid, who were probably present in the localities of Orangi Town.
It was warned that the terrorists might carry out attacks on the routes of mourning processions, particularly in Guru Mandir and its adjoining, Soldier Bazaar, and Jamshed Quarters.
The terrorist had also prepared a plan to attack two imambargahs.
Banned outfits, especially the Afghan accomplices of the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, had hired new members for the Muharram attacks.
Besides, the Bengali activists of the terrorist outfit were also very active, the intelligence report revealed.

Revised plan
Sources said the Karachi police, in response to the report, have revised the security plan for Muharram and taken additional steps to prevent the terrorist from achieving their nefarious designs.
The sources added that during Muharram, extra police personnel would be deployed at sensitive locations which include mosques and imambargahs.
Apart from that, police and Rangers would be deployed at the city’s entry and exit points, increase patrolling, and set up check-posts at vulnerable locations.
Law enforcement agencies’ personnel will thoroughly check the movement of vehicles in in the city and establish temporary watch-posts on buildings located near mosques imambargahs and along mourning procession routes.
The procession routes will be cleared first with the help of the bomb disposal squad, scanners, and sniffer dogs.
The Karachi police chief has cancelled the leaves of policemen. Besides, security cameras have been installed at vulnerable locations.
Pillion riding and display of weapons are expected to be banned during Muharram.
Parking vehicles near mosques, imambargah, and other vulnerable places too will be banned. The traffic security department or imambargah administrations will issue special stickers for vehicles.

Meeting with scholars
The Karachi police chief held a meeting with a delegation of religious scholars belonging to different schools of thought on Sunday.
The additional IG discussed the law and order situation with the scholars and assured them that the Karachi police would take very step possible to ensure that no untoward incident took place during Muharram.