Ashura Muharramul Haraam was observed under tight security and no untoward incidents were reported.
Mobile phone services remained suspended on 9th and 10th Muharram. Surveillance cameras had been installed along mourning processions’ routes and in majalis. Control rooms had also been established at the Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) offices and at the DCO’s offices.
Walkthrough gates were installed at the entrances of all majalis and processions, dome security cameras were installed and barbed wire was strung along the routes of the main taazia processions.
Participants were frisked at various check points and screened by metal detectors and walkthrough gates before being allowed to enter majalis.
Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Akram Jawed, District Coordination Officer Noorul Amin Mengal, Regional Police Officer Muhammad Nawaz Warraich and City Police Officer Haider Ashraf had visited all the procession sites and assessed the security measures taken.
They also held a meeting with the religious leaders from various peace committees and urged them to help the administration in ensuring a peaceful Ashura.
The officers also visited the control rooms at the CPLC Office and the DCO’s office and monitored the security arrangements through surveillance cameras. They kept close coordination with the Provincial Control Room and provided them regular updates.
Minister for Environment Shuja Khanzada, Auqaf Secretary Saqib Aziz and Additional IG Aftab Cheema also visited the division to assess the security arrangements.
They met with the commissioner, the RPO and the DCO, who briefed them about the situation and the security measures.
The cabinet committee members expressed satisfaction with the security measures taken by the police and the district administration. They directed the police not to lift the security cover till the mourners reached their homes after the Sham-i-Ghareeban majalis.
CPO Ashraf told the cabinet committee that 141 processions had been taken out and 121 majalis held in the division.
He said over 10,000 police officials had been deputed and extensive patrolling had been arranged along the routes of Ashura processions.
The CPO said that special police contingents had been deputed at 179 sensitive locations and several army companies were on standby to deal with any untoward incident.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2013.