Rawalpindi Commissioner Imdad Ullah Bosal has directed the authorities concerned to make foolproof security arrangements for Muharramul Haraam.
He said that zero tolerance should be shown against unregistered vehicles and motorcycles during Muharram to avoid any untoward incidents from happening.
He said the vehicles without number plates should be impounded by the respective police stations, while adding that elected representatives of Rawalpindi city should be included in the committees being constituted for the supervision of Muharram processions which would help the law enforcement agencies in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. He also said that fiery speakers who delivered provocative speeches based on sectarianism should be proceeded against according to the law.
He said police would be deployed throughout the city and contingents of rangers would also be called in to assist the police force.
The commissioner said that the interior ministry would be contacted on the level of Punjab government directing them to depute the rangers where ever required.
He said that a letter would be written to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) to stop load-shedding during Muharram gatherings, whereas Tehsil Municipal Authorities (TMAs) were being directed to arrange stand by generators for the gatherings in their respective areas in case of any power outage.
He said the police department had been directed to carry out video recording of processions and gatherings to trace out culprits in case of any mishap and terrorist activity. A complete search operation was also being carried out in hotels and guesthouses, especially in the Pirwadhai area, against terrorists and criminals. He urged the police force to take action against illegal weapons to prevent any unpleasant incident from happening. He also said that to avoid traffic jams on the main city roads, car parking facilities for the Muharram gatherings would be set up at a reasonable distance from the selected place. Elected representatives should also present their in this regard to ensure the peaceful passage of Muharramul Haraam, he concluded.
