Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon issued a high alert for the police force ahead of 10th Muharram processions. A total of 4,700 cops, including Special Security Unit (SSU) commandos, would be deployed to ensure the security of the mourners.According to officials, the police chief has ordered that security duties for Muharram should be carried out with the utmost vigilance.
The security arrangements would be made extraordinary for the main processions, the central congregations, the central Imambargahs and mosques in close coordination with the relevant authorities. The Bomb Disposal Squad would conduct sweeps and clearance operations along the procession routes and at gathering places.
In addition to heightened security, intelligence collection measures would be intensified, with special emphasis on monitoring the surroundings of the processions and the congregations through recce, surveillance and detection techniques.
The police chief emphasised the importance of keeping the deployed officers at checkpoints and picketing points on high alert. Ensuring the safety of citizens returning home from gatherings, particularly during the night, would be a priority.Coordinated efforts would be made at zonal, district and police station levels, with timely sharing and follow-up of information. Snap checking and area patrolling would also be carried out effectively.
The Karachi police issued a statement saying that they have already commenced their duties at various locations in the city to ensure the security of Muharram processions and congregations. A total of 4,698 police officers and personnel would be monitoring and guarding the entry and exit points of the main procession, as well as the designated routes on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.The deployment included 751 NGOs, 78 senior officers of the Karachi police.
