Inspector General of Police Ghulam Haider Jamali has directed officials to beef up security on all routes of processions to be taken out in the metropolis on the eve of Youm-e-Shahadat Ali followed by Youm-e-Al-Quds that also coincides with Jumaat-ul-Wida.
In his directives issued on Sunday, the police chief said the occasions falling consecutively on Thursday and Friday next demanded foolproof security for the participants of the processions as well as public in general.
“This must be particularly ensured that no parking be allowed on any of the processions and rally routes scheduled for Youm-e-Ali and Youm-e-Al-Quds respectively. Steps should be taken for prompt removal of any broken-down vehicles. All routes must not only be guarded by well-equipped on-ground cops but also by those on high-rise buildings.”
Jamali said special measures must also be taken for the protection of faithful attending special prayers on the eve of sacred nights during the last 10 days of the holy month. Equal attention must be paid towards security of mosques and cites of congregations to be held on Jumaat-ul-Wida. Since all these occasions are fast approaching in the coming week hence arrangements must be immediately finalised to avert any untoward incident, said the IGP.
He said, being fully conscious of the risks, it would be extremely important to keep onboard the community leaders and organisers of special prayers sessions. Strict implementation of security plan must be ensured through efficient monitoring, enhanced patrolling, snap checking and intelligence sharing at town as well as district levels, he said.
Jamali said to frustrate heinous designs of unscrupulous elements, close coordination must also be developed with other law enforcing agencies and federal as well as provincial governments’ intelligence organisations.