RAWALPINDI: In order to ensure peace in Muharram, a security plan has been formulated under which over 7,500 police personnel and two companies each of the Army and Rangers would be on standby to deal with any emergency situation in Rawalpindi.

Moreover, surety bonds have been obtained from concerned people keeping in view 109 flash points and 75 violations which had been noticed previously by the Special Branch. As many as 316 Muharram processions and 1761 majalis have been categorised as A, B and C due to their level of sensitivity.

Officials said 40 processions have been categorised as “A”, most sensitive, 64 placed in category “B”, less sensitive, and 212 categorised as “C”, normal. Of the 1761 majalis, 208 have been placed in category “A”, 347 in category “B’ and 1206 in category C.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Hafiz Kamran Asghar told Dawn that social media was being strictly monitored and action would be taken against anyone found spreading provocation. “All the 31 individuals placed in the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 will be kept under observation,” the SSP said.

SSP says social media being monitored and action will be taken against anyone found spreading provocation

A total of 1761 majalis and 316 processions, including the main procession of Ashura, will be organised in Rawalpindi. An additional force of 400 officers and officials of the Punjab Highway Patrol Police has been called to assist the local police.

Likewise, 15 reserve forces, each consisting of 20 personnel, will be on duty. The Punjab Constabulary’s seven reserves equipped with anti-riot tools and eight reserves from police training institutes would be on the disposal of the city police.

He said that two companies each of the Army and Rangers had also been called who will remain on a standby to assist the police in case of an emergency.

SSP Asghar said Elite Force, CTD, Special Branch, traffic police and Dolphin Force along with field formations will also perform duties in Muharram, adding strict implementation of the loudspeaker Act will be ensured.

He said that the movement of persons included in the fourth schedule was being closely monitored and the Home Department was keeping a close watch on the situation. CCTV cameras, metal detectors and walk-through gates will be used for checking of people at sensitive locations.

Traffic plan

A traffic plan has also been chalked out to ensure smooth flow of vehicles in the city. As many as 931 officers and wardens will perform special duties during the Muharram processions.

The routes leading to the venues of majalis and processions will be closed for all types of traffic and alternative routes will be provided.

Under the traffic plan, 11 DSPs/circle in-charges, 110 senior wardens, 810 warden assistants will be deployed during Muharram.

The traffic police will divert traffic to alternative routes in collaboration with the district police during majalis and processions.

In this regard, Chief Traffic Officer Taimoor Khan held a meeting with all DSPs/circle in-charges, sector in-charges and duty officers and issued them instructions. He said during processions and gatherings, vehicles will be parked at a distance of 500 yards from the venues.

Strict action will be taken against motorcycles and vehicles with black paper or without number plates. Such vehicles will be impounded in the police stations.

The CTO directed the officials to discharge their duties with commitment, adding negligence and omission will not be tolerated.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2024