In its ongoing operation against anti-state elements, Peshawar police conducted raids in different localities of the provincial capital ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram and arrested 42 more suspects on Monday.
According to police, the operation was carried out in Qissa Khawani Bazaar and its surrounding areas. The nabbed suspects included two undocumented Afghan nationals.
Earlier this month, the KP law enforcement agencies declared Peshawar, Hangu, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan as sensitive areas during the Muharram-ul-Haram.
The statement was announced during a meeting attended by Provincial police Chief Nasir Khan Durrani, regional police officers, district police officers, AIG of Special Branch, DIG of Counter-Terrorism Department and Peshawar police chief to discuss security arrangements in the province.
Police stated that 429 processions will be taken out in KP province while 940 Majalis will be held. Police sighted 129 areas as ‘troublesome’. Police also stated that Peshawar contains 66 Imambargahs and 121 processions were expected to be taken out in the provincial capital.
Durrani stated that the processions will have live electronic monitoring and security zones will be setup in processions and Majalis along with frisking of attendants, deployment of officers on hilltops and rooftops, security checks of residential areas through which processions might pass and proper lighting in venues of Majalis.
Afghan nationals’ entry into the city has been banned during Muharram.
Security checks of cars and major arenas have also been started. The law enforcement agencies will be provided with metal detectors and sensitive areas like airports, railway stations, shopping centers and hotels have been put under strict observation.
