Security official stands alert during the Ashura procession in Quetta. PHOTO: PPI

QUETTA: Like other parts of the country, law enforcement agencies had ensured strict security arrangements for Ashura processions throughout the city.



Security officials were stationed at strength at all routes entailing religious rallies. In addition to 5000 police officers deployed at various routes, a large number of security officials from Frontier Corps (FC) and other law enforcement agencies performed duties for Ashura rallies.



Roads with high-security risks were sealed with barbed wire while trucks were placed as blockades for streets and lanes leading to the routes and areas adjoining Qandhari Bazar, Liaquat Bazar, Prince Road, Mekangi Road and Kansi Road.



Law enforcers also made use of CCTV cameras to monitor security arrangement at the procession routes while the IG office also ensured minute-by-minute monitoring of the rallies.



A large number of security officials comprising police, FC and other forces marched with the processions while officers of the armed forces were also put on red alert to respond to any unexpected event.



Traffic remained low on the road since the morning while children enjoyed their holidays playing cricket in their streets.



After the end of processions, the city’s roads saw a heavy amount of traffic whilst security arrangements were still in place.



Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zia Ahmed Langov visited Central Command and Control Room in Quetta.



Command and Control Room for the monitoring of Close Circuit Cameras was specially established at IG police Balochistan office.



Inspector General Police Balochistan Mohsin Hassan Butt, DIG Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema and other high officials of Balochistan police were also there.



IG Police Balochistan gave a detailed briefing regarding security measures taken by Balochistan Police for the security of central procession of Ashoora Moharram ul Haram in Quetta.



Home Minister Balochistan Mir Zia Ahmed Langov appreciated the efforts taken by Balochistan Police, Frontier Corps Balochistan, Levies, Rapid Response Group RRG, Ant Terrorist Force ATF, Balochistan Constabulary BC, Levies and other Law Enforcement Agencies for the security of central procession of Ashoora Moharram ul Haram.



Mir Zia Ahmed Langov Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Balochistan also monitored the live coverage of Ashura Muharram ul Haram Procession through CCTV.



Home Minister Balochistan also monitored the security arrangements through helicopter and expressed his satisfaction on the security arrangements of police and security forces.



High officials of Balochistan Police, Frontier Cops Balochistan and Levies were also with Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Balochistan.



CM lauds security measures



Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday expressed his satisfaction over better security measures during Muharram-ul-Haram and Youm-e-Ashur processions in Balochistan.



He also appreciated efforts of security forces including police, CTD, Levies Force, Frontier Corps, local administration and Pakistan Army for playing a responsible role day and night to ensure peace during Muharram-ul Haram, said press release.



The chief minister congratulated security forces personnel on ensuring full security. There was no any untoward situation during Youm-e-Ashura processions owing to strict security measures.



Mir Jam Kamal Khan also lauded public, scholars and traders for cooperating with the security forces personnel regarding security measures during Ashura.



(With additional input from APP)



Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2019.