The month of Muharram has started today on 25 October 2014 and it is widely observed in Pakistan. Muharram gatherings and processions are usually peaceful; however, we have seen violence in some areas of the country in previous years, including in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. While the prevailing security environment could be a probable cause for exploitation of the religious occasion by extremists, there is no current or credible information to indicate either an imminent or direct threat in twin cities. Islamabad and Rawalpindi police along with contingents of Rangers and Frontier Constabulary will ensure increased security arrangements in the twin cities, particularly to secure all the routes of processions to minimize the possibility of violence, particularly during the most sensitive days, i.e. the 9th and 10th days of Muharram i.e. 3-4 November 2014. Considering the incidents of the last few years, Rawalpindi has already been declared a ‘sensitive’ city by the Punjab government during this year’s Muharram. It is most likely that the Section 144 will be imposed in some cities including Rawalpindi/Islamabad which allows them to disburse any group of more than four people. It will also likely result in a ban on pillion riding (additional passengers on motorcycles), banning any open display of armaments, increased checkpoints throughout cities, changing regular traffic patterns in cities and blocking of mobile phone services for limited period within specified areas/cities
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 16:53:49 +0000
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