RAWALPINDI: In the wake of the prevailing security situation and the upcoming March 23 celebrations, police are conducting search and combing operations in different parts of the garrison city. However, absence of women police is creating problems in the smooth conduct of the operations – especially in Rawal Division.

According to sources, the superintendent of police Rawal Division has taken notice of the delay in women police joining the search operation duty which, he said was creating problems for the police in Rawal Division areas.

To cope with the situation, eight women police personnel have been assigned the duty of in-charge of city, Ganjmandi, Ratta Amral, Pirwadhai, Waris Khan, Banni, New Town and Sadiqabad.

They will lead lady constables to ensure their timely presence and joining of teams that are set to launch search and combing operation in their respective areas.

The SP also directed the police to ensure compliance with his orders and warned those who failed to follow the directives of departmental action.

Besides the district police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Special Branch personnel are also participating in the search and combing operations which are being conducted on a daily basis in different areas.

In the limits of Waris Khan police circle, besides the police, army personnel are also participating in the operation.

Police officials taking part in the search operations have been provided bullet proof jackets and helmets for their safety while CTD staff will be assigned to gather intelligence.

In Potohar Division, SP Potohar Ahmad Talah Wali will be leading the search and combing operations which will be conducted in Jhanda Chichi and its surrounding areas, katchi abadi of Airport police area, Morgah, Cantonment, Dhoke Banaras, Race Course, Ghaziabad, R.A. Bazaar, Westridge, Naseerabad and Taxila. Search operation in Saddar Division will be supervised by SP Saddar Nabeel Khokhar.

Meanwhile, police have chalked out a security plan forYaum-i-Ali. As many as 3,500 police personnel and 100 traffic police will be deployed to ensure peaceful conduct of majalis and holding of mourning processions in the garrison city.

As many as 42 processions will be brought out while 74 majalis will be held. The main procession will be taken out on March 21.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2025