To ensure peace and security during Muharram-ul-Haram, Peshawar police conducted a search operation on late Sunday/Monday night and arrested over 42 suspects. The police searched areas of walled city including Qissa Khawani Bazaar. The search team also comprised of female officials and sniffer dogs.
The nabbed suspects included two Afghan nationals. Police has started probe of their documents. Afghan nationals’ entry into the city has been banned during Muharram.
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 decision was taken 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 are 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.
Security has been stepped up in all corners of the country as the holy Ashura-e-Muharram approaches, with search operations and raids being conducted in numerous cities to ensure that the days pass without any ugly incident.
Security was also beefed up in Punjab as police, Intelligence Department, hospitals and civil and defense emergency services were put on high alert. Officials of law enforcement agencies have been deputed at mosques, Imambargahs, important buildings, roads and numerous areas of the cities.
Security checks of cars and major arenas have also been started. The law enforcement agencies are equipped with metal detectors and sensitive areas like airports, railway stations, shopping centers and hotels have been put under strict observation.
