PESHAWAR: As part of Muharram security plan, the administration has decided to keep closed 15 schools located near the routes of Muharram processions in Peshawar city for 10 days to avoid inconvenience to the students and participants of the processions.

The schools which have been closed till 10th of Muharram include Government High School Gongy, Mohallah Jattan; Government Primary School Machi Khatta; Central City Public School Mohallah Daftar Bandan; Bilawal Malik School Mohallah Jattan; Al-Syed Public School, Mohallah Qazi Khelan; Tasawar Public School Mohallah Jattan; Rimshah Public School, Kocha Said Wali; Peshawar Computer Public School, Mohallah Farshi Galli; Unique Public School, Munda Beri; Talent Public School Munda Beri; Seeds Public Shool Munda Beri; Taj Public School Mirpur Farshi Galli; and Government Girls High School Munda Beri.

According to a statement issued by the Peshawar DC office, the participants of the processions would pass through specific routes and there was apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquility in the areas. It said that the order was issued under section 71 (a) of the Local Government Act, 2013.

Elaborate security plan devised for the city; pillion riding banned

The administration has also banned pillion riding till 13 of Muharram. It was announced that there would be ban on wall chalking, hate speeches, publication of hate literature, including posters, pamphlets, use of tinted glasses, possession of explosives and display of firearms. The Afghan nationals have been directed to remain confined to their camps and avoid visits to the sensitive areas.

Also, about 10,000 security personnel would perform duty to ensure safety of the participants. The police will remain deployed at all main entrances, on rooftops of buildings to check movement of the suspected people and take timely action in case of any possible untoward incident.

The bomb disposal unit (BDU) staff would check the processions routes with the help of detectors and sniffer dogs. The security personnel in plainclothes would also monitor movement of the people at the worship places and along the procession routes.

The security system would also be monitored through CCTV cameras and the processions would be provided a three-layer security to foil any sort of sabotage attempt. The mobile phone service will remain suspended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

It was stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Mohammad Naeem Khan had already directed the police officials to adopt foolproof security measures and ensure peaceful observance of Muharram throughout the province.

He directed the relevant officials to review the security arrangements and organise snap checking with special emphasis on motorcycles with no number plates.

The IGP directed for deployment of police at rooftops in sensitive areas and plugging of all streets leading to imambargahs so as to check movement of irrelevant people. He also directed for video recording of all mourning processions and discouraging provocative speeches.

Deputy commissioner, Peshawar, Mohammad Ali Asghar, WSSP CEO Zafar Ali Shah and officials of the relevant departments visited the routes of processions to check the situation of cleanliness, lighting, supply of water and security arrangements.

The traffic police have also announced its plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the main roads.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2019