The government put the army troops on standby under the Article 245 of the Constitution to act in aid of the civil law enforcement agencies to secure the federal capital during Muharram-ul-Haram.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, "In exercise of the powers conferred under the Article 245 of the Constitution, the ministry is pleased to authorize the deployment of 350 Pakistan army troops (standby) to act in aid to civil powers, subject to laws in force in Pakistan during Muharram."
Meanwhile, the Capital police have chalked out a comprehensive security plan under which 12,000 personnel of city police will perform security duties during Muharram and maintain high vigilance to thwart any untoward incident. The personnel of Rangers and police commandoes would perform the security of Imambargahs.
The police have also finalised security arrangements for the processions and religious gatherings during Muharram and decided to launch combing and search operations in various slums of the city including Afghan habitats to ensure foolproof security.
The high-ups of police issued strict directives to maintain close liaison with the peace committees and organizers of majalis (gatherings) and processions.
A total of 909 majalis and 177 processions will be held. It should be ensured to make arrangements for checking of participants of majalis and processions through metal detectors.
The police high-ups also issued directives to station house officers (SHOs) to make proper light arrangements after negotiations with concerned authorities and weed out bushes in various areas within the vicinity of worship places.