Youm-e-Ashur observed peacefully in Islamabad amid tight security

Islamabad:Ashura-e-Muharram-ul-Haram was observed in the federal capital of Islamabad with stringent security measures in place, despite threats from terrorist organisations.

The Ministry of Interior devised a comprehensive security plan in collaboration with the police, other law enforcement agencies, and civil and military intelligence agencies to prevent any untoward incidents during the mourning processions. The routes of the processions were heavily guarded, with forces deployed and fences erected along the paths. Snipers were stationed on the rooftops of multi-story buildings for surveillance. Police commandos, Rangers, Constabularies, and other forces assisted Islamabad police in maintaining peace throughout the day and countering any potential threats.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, visited the main procession of 9th Muharram-ul-Haram to review the security arrangements. Over 3,400 police officers, including senior officers, were deployed to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain law and order during the processions. IGP Rizvi, accompanied by senior police officers, inspected the security measures in place for the procession. He directed senior officers to implement fool-proof security protocols to safeguard lives and property, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and harmony during Muharram.

"Islamabad Police and the district administration have made fool-proof security arrangements for the 9th Muharram-ul-Haram processions," said IGP Rizvi. "Security has not been compromised at any point during the procession. A total of 2,137 officers from Islamabad Police and other law enforcement agencies are deployed in the first security cordon, with an additional 3,400 security officers for extra measures." He further mentioned that thorough searches were conducted within a five-kilometre radius from the main procession routes. Bomb disposal squads and special branch officers, along with police officers, civil administration, Pakistan Rangers, and military personnel, ensured security. Emergency forces also remained on high alert.

IGP Rizvi added that procession organisers and scouts collaborated closely with police for comprehensive security arrangements. Scout volunteers were stationed at key points, and mobile services were not disrupted anywhere. "The central procession on the 9th of Muharram is very important for Islamabad and Rawalpindi," said IGP Rizvi. "We have a great responsibility which we are always ready to fulfil."

Earlier, Islamabad Police ensured fool-proof security arrangements for the main procession of 9th Muharram. The procession routes were secured with barbed wire and canal barriers. Drone cameras and Safe City surveillance monitored the procession, and participants were allowed entry only through designated routes, undergoing searches with metal detectors. Scouts assisted police in these procedures. Furthermore, parking for participants' vehicles and motorcycles was kept away from the route, and sniper commandos were positioned on rooftops to ensure effective security. On orders from IG Islamabad, all DIGs and SSPs continued to oversee security arrangements for the procession.