Governor and Officials Visit Main Procession
Youm-e-Ashura was observed peacefully in Rawalpindi on Friday with traditional religious fervour to commemorate the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala. Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, Punjab Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmed Berth, along with Regional Police Officer (RPO) Babar Sarfraz Alpa, Commissioner Aamer Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, and City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani along with other senior officials from administration and the police visited the 10th Muharram procession.
Governor Praises Security and Arrangements
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Punjab paid tribute to the Punjab chief minister for ensuring foolproof security for the mourners and arranging sabeels, food and basic necessities for the participants of the main procession in the city. The governor also appreciated the administration and law enforcers of the city for making best possible security arrangements and maintaining discipline during the procession in the excessive June heat. He also appreciated the role of the religious scholars and volunteers who helped the administration in maintaining a peaceful environment and smooth completion of the Ashura procession in Rawalpindi.
Minister Interacts with Participants
Punjab Communications Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Berth also praised the administration for making the necessary arrangements. Minister Berth interacted with the participants of the procession and noted their valuable feedback and suggestions.
Extensive Security Measures Deployed
The security arrangements by the city police for the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram, Youm-e-Ashura included high-level supervision and coordination, joint efforts by traffic police, district administration, peace committee, and traders association, and continuous route inspection. More than 5,500 police officers and personnel performed duties for the main procession. Over 1,200 traffic police officers and personnel were deployed to manage traffic flow. More than 1,000 volunteers were also providing assistance in security measures.
Advanced Surveillance and Monitoring
The other arrangements included comprehensive cover, route sealing, surveillance and screening, physical screening, technical scanning of the participants, CCTV surveillance through more than 2,000 Safe City and other security cameras, continuous monitoring from the Safe City and central control rooms, special pickets at all entry and exit points, inter-departmental collaboration for compliance with regulations, and community cooperation.
11th Muharram Procession Also Secured
In the meantime, the main procession of 11th Muharram in Choor Chowk remained under the watch of over 1,500 law enforcers with other necessary security steps in place.
