Islamabad - The Pakistan army will remain on standby to assist law enforcing agencies during the month of Muharram-ul-Haraam.
Islamabad’s chief commissioner yesterday met with representatives of Pak army, Rangers commanders and leading police officers to draw up an emergency plan to protect mourning processions during Muharram, the government sources said.
The security plan includes a ban on up to 25 controversial clerics from both Sunni and Shia sects from entering the capital. They fear these unnamed ulema could incite violence with fiery speeches ad sermons during the holy month. The meeting discussed the credentials of these clerics and analyzed their previous behavior and pronouncements.
Their names will be circulated by Chief Commissioner’s office shortly before the beginning of Muharram next week. The ban will prevent those listed from speaking publicly about religion or sect but other controversial ulema will also be kept under close scrutiny, government sources said.
As per plan, all processions and gatherings will be recorded and monitored by the CCTV cameras installed at different points of the city. Other security arrangements under discussion included increased coordination between the police, Rangers and the local administration.
Another meeting will be held ahead of start of Muharram to finalise the security measures.