ISLAMABAD, Nov 15: Intelligence agencies have rejected the security plan of the capital for Muharram prepared by the police, keeping in view the threat of sectarian attacks, sources told Dawn.

The sources said that the agencies had showed reservation over the security plan,  saying that the capital police had finalised the same plan they had made last year.

Security agencies are concerned because in the current year, a sectarian crisis erupted in which two rival groups were involved in a tussle over a shrine in Aabpara, related to the construction of a worship place on the site. The controversial site was sealed by the city administration.

The agencies are suspecting the possibility of another crisis over the situation in Muharram and have asked to prepare a plan that would address the issue.

In response, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Tariq Perzada called a meeting on Thursday to discuss the issue, which was attended by representatives of city administration, police, Rangers, Frontier Constabulary, and intelligence agencies.

Later, section 144 was imposed in the capital by the order of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Amir Ali Ahmed, after the meeting. Open use of weapons, misuse of loudspeakers, wall chalking, distribution of pamphlets and hate speech are banned during the month.

Over the reservation of the agencies, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bani Amin Khan denied that the agencies showed any reservation over the security plan. “It is the responsibility of the police to make the security plan in the light of the prevailing situation and feedback of agencies,” he said, adding that security authorities did not reject the plan.

Earlier in the week, the capital police decided to conduct physical checking of burqa-clad women attending Majalis and processions in Muharram.

The decision was made to avoid the appearance of terrorists in the disguise of women using burqa in Majalis or the procession.

The checking of women would be conducted through walk through gates only, a police officer said, adding that their purses and bags along with other stuff would be thoroughly examined.

About 160 policewomen are working in the capital police and out of the total only 50 are available with the operation wing, the officer said, adding, that the strength of 50 personnel would be used for the physical checking.

Moreover, clearance certificate for conducting Majalis and processions was also made necessary during the month.

Earlier, there was no need of the certificate and permission for the traditional 177 processions and 909 Majalis from the police or city administration.

However, the police decided to issue the certificate for the traditional and non-traditional congregations. The decision was made to ensure police presence and security arrangements at all the congregations in the city.