The security has been upgraded to avert any untoward incident during Muharram here in the provincial capital following the threats from Taliban, after killing of their chief in a US drone attack.
A comprehensive security plan has been chalked out for protection of Shia mourners' during the Muharram, as more than 5,000 police personnel back by law enforcement agencies along with anti-terrorist squad, Madadgar for special and elite force are deployed at all Imambargahs and on routes of processions and for Majalis-e-Azha, according to a senior police official who told this scribe here on Wednesday.
The official said a clean-up operation was launched in the provincial metropolis ahead of Ashura and visitors aren't allowed for staying in local hotels during 10 days of Muharram. Under the stringent security steps, entry of people in mourners' processions will be strictly banned in absence of special security card issued by the police department, the official added.
The official said concrete blocks erected on all routes to protect the Imambargahs and mourners' processions at various locations in the city, while walk-through gates also being installed and body search is also carrying out before entry of people in the Imamabargah. A heavy contingent of police has been deployed in the border areas with Khyber Agency which aimed to foil entry of militants from lawless areas of Bara to Peshawar city, the official informed. Several suspects have also been arrested during ongoing search operation in Nothia and Gulberg areas, the official added.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has also constituted working group for improving law-and-order situation in the city. The working group is comprised of former Inspector General of Police Fayaz Ahmad Toro, officers of home department, secretaries, Journalists and Ulema of both Shia and Sunni sects are members of the working group.
It is pertinent to mention here that the initial working group for security has been constituted, which has given task to give a solid and workable suggestions and recommendations for improvement in present law and order in the provincial capital city.
ORAKZAI AGENCY: In the wake of Muharram-ul-Haraam, the Agency administration Orakzi Agency also took extra security measures to foil any sabotage activities while all vacations of medical staff and law enforcement agencies in the headquarters hospitals have been cancelled. The political agency has also imposed red alert in all hospitals aimed to cope with any emergency situation. Strict action has been ordered against those who demonstrate negligence in the duty.