Ashura Security Tightened Across Rawalpindi, Murree & Islamabad

News Desk

Islamabad/Rawalpindi/Murree: The Punjab government and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have finalized robust security arrangements for Ashura processions, ensuring peace and order during the religious observances across Rawalpindi Division, Murree, and Islamabad.

Seven-Layer Security and Aerial Surveillance

In Islamabad, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi implemented a stringent seven-layer security plan for the central 9th Muharram procession held in Sector G-6. The procession proceeded peacefully under tight security, which included surveillance from the Safe City Command Centre, mobile control rooms, and aerial monitoring.

IGP Rizvi supervised the operation personally, issuing on-ground instructions and conducting a helicopter reconnaissance. The route was fully illuminated in advance, and mobile units were kept on standby for emergency response. Police teams from the Special Branch, CTD, and other law enforcement units ensured a high level of vigilance throughout the event.

The ICT Police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding all religious events and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement for a safe and respectful Muharram.

24/7 Monitoring and Inter-Sect Harmony

Provincial Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharat announced that foolproof security arrangements have been completed for Ashura processions in Rawalpindi Division. He made the statement while visiting Murree to inspect the preparations, on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Personnel from the police, district administration, and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed along the designated procession routes. Control rooms are operational round the clock, and CCTV surveillance has been integrated through the Safe City Project. Barricades have also been erected to secure routes.

The minister emphasized that inter-sect unity and collaboration among religious scholars and community stakeholders are vital for maintaining peace. In anticipation of rain, WASA, Municipal Committees, and RWMC have been instructed to remain alert.

In Murree, Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi confirmed that all security measures in Murree have been finalized. Police personnel and civil administration teams are deployed to secure procession routes, while sanitation workers have been mobilized to maintain cleanliness.

Special facilitation centers have been set up at key points, including Satra Mile, Lower Topa, Jhikka Gali, Sunny Bank, GPO Chowk, Kashmir Point, and Kaldna. A 24/7 control room is monitoring the situation using CCTV surveillance. The deputy commissioner also stated that the code of conduct is being strictly enforced and all available resources are being utilized to ensure a peaceful Ashura.