The Lahore police are all set to provide extensive security to the citizens, especially the mourning processions and the majalis during the holy month of Muharram, particularly the first ten days.

Rangers and the Pakistan Army are also helping the police ensure a peaceful Muharram.

Various field formations of the police, including the Counter Terrorism Department, the Special Branch, Traffic Police and the Dolphin Squad, are also performing their duties as part of the security plan to ensure that there is no untoward incident.

Talking to The News on Sunday, Bilal Siddique Kamyana, the capital city police officer, says that 54 locations in the provincial metropolis have been identified as extremely sensitive and 229 as sensitive. He says additional police personnel have been mobilised and deployed to ensure their security.

The CCPO says the Lahore police were quick this year to finalise the security plan and made the arrangements far ahead of the advent of Muharram.

“There has been no laxity. A comprehensive plan has been devised to provide elaborate security to notified processions and majalis during Muharram,” he adds.

He says there is always the possibility of a sectarian/ terrorist attack when there are a large number of gatherings and street processions. That is why comprehensive security arrangements have to be made on such occasions. He says the Lahore police are keeping vigil and will thwart any attempt by mischief makers to harm or threaten the mourners.

Kamyana says, “All eyes are on the possible movement as well as activities of the anti-social elements. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure another peaceful Muharram in Lahore”.

The CCPO says more than 11,000 police personnel have been assigned for security duties during the first 10 days of the month. “Effective security will also be provided to majalis and processions during the Ashura,” says Kamyana.

He says every moment and aspect of the processions is being monitored thoroughly with the help of CCTV cameras.

CCPO Kamyana says there is always the possibility of a sectarian/ terrorist attack when there are a large number of gatherings and street processions. That is why comprehensive security arrangements have to be made on such occasions. He says the police are keeping vigil and will thwart any attempt by mischief makers to harm or threaten the mourners.

Moreover, he says “Lighting arrangements have also been made along the routes of processions as well as the venues of majalis.

The CCPO tell TNS that 457 Category A, 2,610 Category B, and 801 Category C majalis are taking place in various parts of the city.

He says 17 Category A, 74 Category B and 3 Category C processions are being taken out by licenses. Another 87 Category A, 234 Category B and 43 Category C processions are being taken out without licences.

Keeping in view the sensitivity of the occasion, he says, more than 11,000 officers have been deployed for security duty during the first ten days of Muharram-ul-Haram. The security will be further beefed up on 9th and 10th of Muharram.

The CCPO says that the routes of Muharram processions are being monitored round-the-clock using CCTV cameras, and strict adherence to security SOPs is being ensured.

The police have been instructed to continue the search and sweep operations for security purposes.

It is learnt that the police have requested two helicopters from the government for aerial surveillance on 9th and 10th of Muharram.

Police have also asked for 50 reserve teams from the Central Police Office to ensure comprehensive security coverage.

Fifteen vehicles have been requisitioned from the Elite Force to enhance patrolling and secure deployment at sensitive locations.

Elite Force and Rangers will be stationed at key sensitive areas to maintain peace and order during the Ashura observances.

Meanwhile, to keep peace and harmony, some religious persons have been barred from delivering speeches during Muharram.

Ahsan Zia is a print and broadcast journalist