10,000 cops deployed in Peshawar for Ashura

PESHAWAR: As many as 10,000 policemen have been deployed in the provincial capital to ensure adequate security for Ashura Muharram, officials said on Monday.

“Over 100 closed-circuit television cameras have been installed on the routes of the processions. The processions are being monitored,” Capital City Police Officer Mohammad Tahir told reporters at the Police Supreme Command Post set up for Muharram.

The official was flanked by Senior Superintendent Police Operations Sajjad Khan, SP City Shahzada Kokab Farooq and other officers. The senior police officers also inspected security arrangements in different bazaars in the inner city.

The CCPO said that around 10,000 personnel had been deployed for securing the Muharram processions and gatherings. He added that five command posts and one Supreme Command Post had been set up in the city.

The official said security forces were providing support to the police in ensuring foolproof security. He continued the district administration and the rescue service workers were also performing duty alongside police.Mohammad Tahir said the government had been asked for suspension of cellular phone service on 10th Muharram.

The city police chief appreciated the support from the public during the holy month. The official said a terror bid in city was foiled on Sunday. He added that police were tipped off about transportation of explosives to the inner city after which barricades were erected at various places.

He said a terrorist, Ihsanullah, was arrested while his accomplice escaped when police intercepted two motorcyclists on Landay Sarak in the limits of the Khazana Police Station.“The terrorists were transporting the explosives to the city. Around five kilograms of explosives, hand-grenades, 9 mm pistols and prima cord were recovered from the terrorist,” Tahir said.

Meanwhile, the SSP Operations Sajjad Khan held a meeting with journalists from the print and electronic media. He apprised them of the measures taken for security during Muharram.

The SSP said that all the processions were being monitored electronically through CCTVs and drone cameras. The official said that search and strike operations were going on in the rural and urban areas as well.