A large number of people in the provincial capital are likely to face inconvenience while communicating with each other as the authorities have decided to partially close down the cellular services on the routes of mourning processions during the two days of Muharram-ul-Haram.
"Closure of cellular service would enable the law enforcers to ensure foolproof security to the citizens, particularly those visiting Imambargahs and other places of congregations during the 9th and 10th of Muharram," said a senior police officer.
The officer said mobile services are suspended every year during Ashura as part of security measures. "Police will use jammers to block all sorts of communication devices where considered necessary," asserted the officer. He said the Punjab police department has also sought assistance of the paramilitary troops in maintaining law and order and nabbing the suspects in order to thwart any troublesome eventuality of militancy.
Another police official, seeking anonymity, said strict security arrangements have been put in place to ensure security. He said that additional CCTV cameras have been installed in the city which would enable law enforcers to ensure proper surveillance of the suspects.
After completion of geo-tagging, a number of snipers have also been deployed on every building falling under the route of processions, he said. "Police will strictly implement the ban on use of loud speakers and stern action will be taken against those found violating the law," the officer vowed. Earlier this week, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Arif Nawaz Khan chaired a high-level security meeting in which he was briefed that Punjab police will ensure a four-layer security till Ashura by deploying over 125,000 cops.
In the meeting, the IGP directed all the RPOs and DPOs to devise a coordinated security plan in their respective division for Majalis and processions. He said the high command of police should ensure that each deployed police officer is well aware of the SOPs.
In addition, the IGP was informed that around 124,537 police personnel will be deployed for the security of 36,216 Majalis. Out of the total, around 37,398 will be from Police Qaumi Razakar (PQR), 5,580 from Special Branch whereas 85,515 will be police volunteers. A contingent of police comprising of 135,370 personnel will also perform their duties for protection of 9,173 processions on the day of Ashura. Out of the total, nearly 26,534 will be QRF personnel, 5,590 from Special Branch while 67,692 will be police volunteers.
The police chief further directed to prepare and provide 'special CNIC cards' to the policemen deployed on duty by ensuring that the field security in-charges are familiar with the faces of their teams, so there could be no security lapse. "The video recordings of processions should be ensured at any cost by installing additional CCTV cameras on the routes," IGP Arif directed.
Meanwhile, a city traffic police (CTP) spokesman said that special alternative routes have also been finalised to ensure smooth traffic flow in the city during the processions and Majalis.
It is pertinent to mention that the main procession of Ashura would be taken out from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate on Saturday night. The procession would culminate at Karbala Gamay Shah on Sunday evening after passing through Chowk Nawab Shah, Masjid Wazir Khan, Rang Mehal, Paniwala Talab, Taranum Chowk, Bazaar Hakeemaan and Bhati Gate.
The Zuljinnah processions of Muharram would be taken out from Islampura, Urdu Bazaar, Shadman, Old Anarkali, Model Town, Thokar Niaz Baig, Sadar Bazaar, Dharampura, Abbot Road, Ghaziabad, Imamia Colony and other areas and conclude after passing through their traditional routes. Khateebs and Zakirs would address Majalis to be held before taking out the processions. They would highlight the supreme sacrifices given at Karbala. A number of organisations would arrange Sabeel, juices, tea and food for participants of these processions.