ISLAMABAD: The district administration has banned the entry of several ulema and zakirs in the capital to maintain peace in Muharram during which over 1,000 processions and majalis are scheduled to be held in the city. Besides, activities of some local ulema have also been restricted.

Officials of the administration and police said 181 processions were scheduled in the capital from Muharram 6 to Safar 19. Out of these, 14 processions have been put in category ‘A’, 95 in category ‘B’ and 72 in category ‘C’.

The category ‘A’ processions will be taken out in the limits of the I-9, Sabzi Mandi, Aabpara, Karachi Company, Golra, Secretariat and Khanna police.

Likewise, 122 of the 965 majalis have been put in category ‘A’, 418 in category ‘B’ and 425 in category ‘C’.

Police devise security plan for over 1,000 processions, majalis scheduled in capital

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat issued orders to limit the activities of several ulema on the basis of reports filed by the Special Branch. These local clerics were likely to deliver provocative speeches/sermons to create hatred among various religious sects.

“In the current security environment of the capital coupled with the threat perception of terrorism, it is apprehended that any breach in law and order due to sectarian violence may be used by terrorists as an opportunity to achieve their objectives,” said a notification.

The DC directed that the ulema and zakirs whose entry had been banned in the capital would not enter, reside or remain in the capital territory for a period of two months from the date of the issuance of the order. According to the Special Branch report, these clerics were habitual of making inflammatory/objectionable and fiery speeches on sectarian issues.

They may deliver sectarian/fiery speeches in the capital, thereby creating ill will and hatred among various sects. Their utterances are likely to ignite tension already existing among various religious sects of the district, which may result in loss to public life and property and may also create a law and order situation, it added.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Syed Mustafa Tanweer said the police had made a comprehensive security plan to maintain high vigilance in the city. He said flag marches were being conducted in various areas to make security more effective. He said strict vigilance would be maintained like the previous years to maintain law and order in the city.

The capital police headed by Additional SP Farhat Abbas Kazmi conducted a flag march with an objective to maintain peace in Muharram.

The flag march started from Pakistan Sports Complex and culminated at the same point after passing through various areas.

Rangers and other law enforcement agencies also participated in the flag march.

Meanwhile, all police officers have been asked to maintain close liaison with the peace committees and organisers of majalis and processions. The SSP said cooperation of the organisers would be ensured with the police and law enforcing officials.

He directed all police officers to ensure strict security arrangements on these occasions and special checking of the participants.

He said arrangements should be made for checking the participants of majalis and processions by using metal detectors. Strict vigilance should be maintained to ensure that security measures are in place by the police as well as the peace committees.

He said it would be ensured that processions passed through the fixed routes following the set timings. He also directed for effective patrolling and use of commando vehicles for the purpose.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2021