Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, has been put on high alert to meet any eventuality on the eve of Ashura. A spokesman of Pakistan Rangers announced this in a statement here on Sunday.
He said that in this regard a comprehensive security plan had been formulated under which heavy contingents of Rangers had been deployed at all sensitive areas of Karachi and interior of Sindh.
Under the plan heavy concentration of Sindh Rangers have intensified patrolling all along the main routes of processions across the whole province besides deployment in plain clothes at sensitive places and snap checking has also been ensured.
Director General, Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, Major General Javed Zia, issued directives to all concerned Rangers officials to ensure implementation of security plan in letter and spirit in their respective areas and directed to keep a vigilant eye on suspicious elements.
He further directed that special pickets and checking at exit and entry points of the city should also be ensured. Moreover, Sindh Rangers have made elaborate security arrangements on the National Highway, Indus Highway and RCD Highway to prevent any potential troublemakers from sneaking into the city.
In view of the high alert, contingents of Sindh Rangers are staging flag marches in various parts of the metropolis and interior of Sindh. In this regard necessary coordination with police and other law enforcement agencies is being maintained.
It is pertinent to mention that Sindh Rangers helicopter would conduct aerial surveillance of the main processions. Besides close circuit cameras have been installed all along the routes of processions.
Media cell has been established at Sindh Rangers Headquarters with a view to dispel any baseless rumours by anti social elements.
At the special directives of the Director General Rangers free medical camps and drinking water points had been set up all along the routes of processions for convenience of the mourners. He also called upon the Ulema to play their due role in maintaining religious harmony and brotherhood to thwart the attempts of the terrorists.
Furthermore, he made a passionate appeal to the masses at large that they should extend all possible cooperation to the personnel of law enforcement agencies especially during snap checking. All these security measures are aimed at protecting the lives of the citizens, he added. Later, director general Rangers visited various sensitive areas of the city and reviewed the security arrangements and issued necessary directives in this regard.
Talking to officers and jawans of Rangers, DO Rangers emphasised a dire need to remain vigilant and develop a close rapport with management of imamhargahs/mosques and organisers of processions.