ISLAMABAD: Muharram processions and gatherings in the federal capital will be digitally monitored through drones as part of enhanced security arrangements, while the geo-tagging of all imambargahs, majalis venues, and procession routes has been completed, according to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry.
The statement was released after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a meeting to review the security arrangements for Muharram in Islamabad.
According to the ministry, a special mobile application named “Mehfooz Muharram” has also been launched. The application will allow citizens to report suspicious activities, individuals, or inadequate security arrangements. It will also provide live location-sharing and image-sharing facilities.
The statement said that a central control room had been established at Safe City as part of the security measures, while a four-tier security cordon would be implemented to ensure the safety of Muharram processions and gatherings.
Naqvi directed authorities to maintain the four-tier security system and ensure the implementation of a comprehensive traffic management plan during Muharram.
The interior minister ordered strict checking at the entry and exit points of all processions and religious gatherings, while instructing relevant officers to remain present in the field.
He also directed authorities to maintain close coordination with religious scholars to ensure law and order. “The code of conduct must be strictly enforced. A zero-tolerance policy should be adopted against provocative material,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Naqvi further instructed officials to ensure arrangements for food and drinking water for security personnel deployed during Muharram.
During the meeting, Islamabad Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police provided the interior minister with a detailed briefing on the security preparations.
They informed the meeting that security audits of all religious gatherings and processions had been completed. Aman and Nigehban committees had been activated, while the Islamabad administration was also coordinating with religious scholars and organisers of Muharram gatherings and processions.
The meeting was attended by deputy inspectors general of police, senior superintendents of police, the deputy commissioner, and all assistant commissioners of Islamabad.
Separately, an official told Dawn that more than 15,000 security personnel had been deployed across the federal capital to maintain peace and security during Muharram processions and gatherings.
The official said Islamabad Police had finalised a comprehensive security strategy that would remain in place from the first of Muharram until the 19th of Safar.
Under the security plan, Islamabad Police, Rangers, and other law enforcement personnel would be deployed at sensitive routes and locations to provide maximum protection to participants of religious events while maintaining public order.
According to the official, more than 170 processions and around 930 majalis are expected to be held across Islamabad during Muharram.
He added that Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi was supervising all security arrangements to ensure strict implementation of the security plan.
In addition, 10 vigilance teams have been formed to monitor the performance and deployment of security personnel assigned to security duties.
Senior police officers, including deputy inspectors general, senior superintendents of police, and assistant inspectors general, have been given responsibilities at different locations across the city to oversee security arrangements.
Authorities have also intensified search and combing operations in various areas of Islamabad as part of preventive security measures.
To strengthen surveillance, more than 3,000 CCTV cameras are being used to monitor processions and gatherings in real time. More than 500 traffic police personnel have also been deployed to manage traffic flow and reduce disruptions for commuters.
Earlier this week, Naqvi, along with State Minister Tallal Chaudhry, chaired a special meeting of the Paigham-i-Aman Committee to review Muharram arrangements and measures to prevent sectarian incitement.
The committee discussed steps to promote inter-sect harmony and religious tolerance during Muharram. It was decided that strict action would be taken against individuals spreading incitement and sectarian content on social media.