ISLAMABAD: Strict security arrangements were made on Saturday in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as cellular services remained suspended in some areas as processions to commemorate 9th of Muharram were taken out on Saturday.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Interior officials said that cellular services would be suspended in 36 cities on the request of the provincial government.
The cellular services were also suspended in Islamabad as part of the security plan.
A total of 79 processions on 9th were brought out under tight security arrangements in Rawalpindi.
Some 65 processions will be brought out on 10th of Muharram.
The local administration with the help of police closed all traditional routes including Raja Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, Bara Bazaar, Iqbal Road, Jamia Masjid Road, Narnkari Bazaar, Dalgaran Bazaar, City Saddar Road, and several others.
The senior officials of Rawalpindi Division and officials of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration visited all areas to check the security arrangements for 9th and 10th of Muharram.
According to security agencies, all mourning processions will culminate at the Qadeemi Imambargah on “Youm-e-Ashura”. According to officials, setting up of 210 registered “sabeels” have been allowed on traditional routes as arranging “sabeel” without prior permission has been banned.
Followers were allowed to arrange “langar” at fixed points on traditional routes.
All processions ended early to avoid any untoward incident.
At least 1,552 cops under the supervision of 24 inspectors, 57 sub-inspectors, 100 assistant sub-inspectors, and 280 volunteers were deployed to ensure fool-proof security of the mourners. Mourners were only allowed to join the procession from specific entry points.
Quick Response Force was also deployed for the protection of the mourners.
Special contingents of commandos and police officials were also deployed on sensitive points. Walk-through gates were installed for main mourning procession.
Police officials used metal detectors along with private guards of the imambargahs and mourning procession managements.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020