Security plan for Muharram

Islamabad : Islamabad Police on Thursday reviewed security arrangements in connection with Muharram and decided to enhance vigilance and patrolling in the various areas for fool proof security.

The security arrangements were discussed in a meeting presided over by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Qazi Jamil ur Rehman and was attended among others by all Deputy Inspectors General of Police (Operations), Assistant Inspectors General of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police, Additional Superintendent of Police and Superintendents of Police. All wings of Islamabad police were given directions to ensure complete coordination for success of this plan. IGP said that DIG (Operations) would monitor all security related arrangements.

He directed all police officials to maintain close liaison with peace committees and organizers of Majalis and processions in Muharram-ul-Haram. He directed to deploy personnel of CTD at sensitive imam bargahs and implementation on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the government to be ensured. He said that cooperation of organisers should be ensured with police and law enforcing officials.

Islamabad Police Chief asked to issue special cards to policemen and volunteers performing duties. He directed to maintain high vigilance of processions through safe city cameras, smart cars, surveillance cameras and drone cameras. All these arrangements, he said, would be looked after by DG (Safe City).

The IGP said that vehicles or bikes around and inside imambargahs should not be allowed and barbed wires to be placed at open places. He also ordered to make proper light arrangements after negotiations with concerned authorities and also to weed out bushes in the various areas in the vicinity of worship places. The police Commandoes along with vehicles would perform the security duties at Imambargahs arranging religious gatherings. He said that it should be ensured that processions would pass through the fixed routes and timings of processions to be observed strictly.

He also directed for effective patrolling and use of commando vehicles for the purpose. He directed for maintaining close coordination among all wings of Islamabad police and staff. The IGP said that walk through gates must be installed at all entry and exit points of Majalis and processions and it should be covered through large strength of policemen.