LAHORE  - The government is taking unprecedented security steps to maintain law and order during the holy month of Muharram with massive deployment of security personnel across the Punjab province. In addition to 135000 strong provincial police, the paramilitary troops and Elite police commandoes would remain on standby to meet any untoward happening.
Sources in the Punjab Home Department say the government is planning deployment of paramilitary troops in the sensitive districts across the Punjab province. The home department had asked for at least 2000 Rangers personnel to assist the Punjab police in maintaining peace in Muharram. The Ranger troops would be employed in 10 sensitive districts including Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sheikhupura, Rawalpindi among others.
A police spokesperson said that some 36 elite teams of “Reserves” will remain on standby for four districts including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.
Similarly, 48 Punjab Constabulary platoons would also remain on high-alert to meet any untoward situation during Muharram. “It has been decided that 55 Companies of Pakistan Army and 28 of Punjab Rangers would remain on standby,” the spokesperson said.
Keeping in view the recommendations and requirements, it was decided that at least 135098 police officers and officials would be deployed to provide security cover to 9997 processions and 37888 religious gatherings. The police are directed to step up security at 801 sensitive and 288 most sensitive “flashing points” in 10 big cities of the Punjab.  An official told this reporter that the government was taking extraordinary security measures this time for the forthcoming month to fend off Rawalpindi-like situation in the province during Muharram.  Last year, a curfew had been imposed in Rawalpindi after nine people were killed and a market was burnt in a clash between two groups in relation to the harassment of an Ashura procession in Raja Bazaar.
On Saturday, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhera approved a comprehensive security plan prepared by the police department to maintain peace and harmony in the upcoming holy month. The security strategy was endorsed at an exclusive Regional Police Officers (RPO) conference held at the Central Police Office in Lahore under the chairmanship of IGP, police officials said.  Punjab Additional-IG Naseem-uz-Zaman, Sohail Khan, Muhammad Tahir, Dr Arif Mushtaq, Lahore CCPO Muhammad Amin Wains, and all the Regional Police Officers were also present on this occasion.  The conference also decided to cancel all kinds of leaves for the entire operational and security staff during Muharram. To prevent any possible terrorist or criminal activity in police uniform, it was decided that special security passes would be issued to all the security personnel. Strict action would be taken against those found involved in display of arms, weapons, or aerial firing. Temporary security guards will be provided to those personalities who are facing serious security threats, a police official said.
The Punjab IGP also directed the officers to ensure the installation of search lights and public address system on the security vehicles besides ensuring video recording of all processions with the cooperation of CTD and Special Branch.
The decision about the installation and use of CCTV cameras, barbed wires, walk through gates, jammers, metal detectors at all the entry and exit points of the cities and processions was also finalized in the meeting.  The police would monitor all the houses and buildings located on the routes of the main processions. During the conference, the IGP was informed that process of re-verification of surety bonds of those clerics put under the 4th schedule has been completed. Police are also asked to monitor the anti-state elements involved in walk-chalking, publication of hatred material, misuse of loudspeakers and the activities of the religious leaders who were banned or they are under gagging act.