PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have completed a comprehensive security plan for Muharram-ul-Haram and formally recommended the partial suspension of mobile phone and internet services in selected sensitive areas on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
According to a confidential security assessment prepared on the directives of the Inspector General of Police, several districts across the province have been placed on high alert, while assistance from the Pakistan Army, Frontier Constabulary (FC) and modern surveillance technologies will be utilised to strengthen security arrangements.
The report identifies eight districts as the most sensitive for Muharram-related security concerns: Peshawar, Kohat, Hangu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Kurram.
In addition, six other districts have been placed in the sensitive category, where security measures for religious gatherings and processions will be enhanced.
Officials said more than 43,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed across 14 districts to provide security for Muharram processions and majalis.
FC platoons will also be stationed in the most sensitive districts to support police operations, while the Pakistan Army will remain available to assist in the event of any emergency.
As part of the proposed security measures, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have sent a formal request to the provincial home department seeking the temporary and partial suspension of mobile phone and internet services in specific high-risk areas on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
The report further states that procession routes in sensitive and highly sensitive districts will be monitored through aerial surveillance using helicopters and drones.
Authorities also plan to activate advanced anti-drone systems during Muharram to prevent any unauthorized aerial activity.
Police officials said all Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to coordinate closely with mourning committees and religious scholars to ensure strict implementation of the code of conduct and maintain a peaceful environment during Muharram observances.
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