IGP visits Kohat, Hangu ahead of Ashura

Both districts have been declared most sensitive

PESHAWAR: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nasir Khan Durrani on Monday visited sensitive districts of Kohat and Hangu ahead of Ashura to preside over a jirga of elders from Shia and Sunni sects and inspect security arrangements.

Owing to contiguity to the tribal belt and having a history of sectarian differences, both districts of the Kohat division have been declared most sensitive.During his visit to Kohat, the IGP visited the District Police Command Post. He inspected the route for 9th and 10th Muharram processions.

The regional police officer Kohat briefed the IGP about arrangements of police, administration and other line departments in Kohat. The police chief was given live demonstration on the working of the CCTV and quad-copter cameras employed by the Kohat Police for security of processions.

The provincial police chief expressed satisfaction at the arrangements made by police and administration. He urged the police officers to remain vigilant during the remaining days of Muharram.

The IGP also visited the main bazaar of Kohat city and interacted with traders and citizens. The traders and citizens appreciated the efforts of Kohat Police for maintaining law and order and security during Muharram.

The IGP urged citizens to keep a watch on suspicious elements in their neighbourhoods and to inform the police promptly in case they witnessed any alarming or suspicious thing. Nasir Durrani also inquired the citizens about any issues with the police and directed the field officers on the spot to redress public issues.

After his visit to the district command post and main bazaar of Kohat, the IGP presided over a jirga comprising elders from Shia and Sunni sects. Addressing the jirga, the IGP appreciated the efforts of elders from both sects for promoting sectarian harmony. “We must unite to thwart the evil plans of terrorists. Our military and civil law-enforcement agencies have rendered sacrifices for restoring peace. We must capitalise on these successes for building a prosperous Pakistan,” he added.

Upon conclusion of his visit to Kohat, the IGP proceeded to Hangu where he held a joint meeting with the elders of Sunni and Shia sects.The elders expressed gratitude to the police command and assured that they would extend full cooperation to the police and administration for peaceful conduct of Muharram. The IGP visited the District Hangu Command Post where he was briefed by DPO Hangu about the police deployment plan and security strategy of Hangu police.

After visiting the District Hangu Command Post, the IGP inspected the security arrangements made by the police along the route for 9th and 10th Muharram processions in Hangu. The IGP directed DPO of Hangu to remain alert during the remaining days of Muharram.