HYDERABAD, Nov 27 Around 18,000 policemen would perform duties for additional hours ahead of Eidul Azha in Hyderabad zone because of shortage of personnel.

Even staff from police department offices have been withdrawn and engaged in security duties, in addition to Sindh Reserve Police and 300 volunteers of Pakistan Qaumi Razakars (PQRs).

The zone has nine districts Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Dadu, Badin, Thatta, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Matiari and Nawabshah where officials are making efforts to maintain the law and order.

Official sources said that policemen would perform additional duties till prayers of Eidul Azha. “Those performing night duties will not be allowed to leave their respective police stations and headquarters until Eidul Azha prayers. They will leave for home after the peaceful culmination of major congregations,” said a police official of the Hyderabad zone.

Almost in every district, the police force of operation and investigation wings as well as traffic police have been engaged for security related duties. “Since we are under strength, our jawans will perform duties for extra hours to meet the shortage,” said the official.

He said the policemen whose duty hours would be over at 6am would have to wait at the concerned police stations and headquarters till they would be allowed to go home.

Police have placed all main sites where major Eid congregations are to be held, in cattle bazaars in the districts, Imam Bargahs and mosques under security blanket. Old and new National Highways, Super and Indus Highways remain under active surveillance of police authorities in view of the fact that families will be travelling from and to the up country.

Leaves of police force have been cancelled to engage them in security duties.

In Hyderabad district, there are 22 open places of the 800 sites where Eid congregations will be held. Hyderabad police had a backing of two companies of 62 and 63 Wing of Qasim Rangers which meant engagement of around 800 rangers personnel, said a police official.

“Staff from offices and those who perform duties in prisoners' escorts have been engaged to maintain law and order,” said an official.

He added that PQR's 300 volunteers were also part of security duties. “Around 5,500 policemen of investigation and operation wings have been engaged for Eid-related duties and the rest is up to Allah Almighty to ensure peace in our district,” said an officer. Police and Rangers conducted a joint flag march in the city on Friday.

Chaotic traffic conditions prevail around main cattle bazaars in the city as rickshaws, pick-ups, donkey carts and other vehicles occupy the road off the National Highway in anticipation of transportation of animals to various parts of the city.