A suicide bomber crushed the tall claims of fool proof security during Muharram

Lahore:A suicide bomber has ruined the tall claims of Punjab Government regarding fool proof security in the province during Muharram by exploding himself a high security public place of Wahga Border.

Today while presiding over a meeting regarding security arrangements during Muharram Provincial Minister for Home, Col.(R) Shuja Khanzada has said that government has completed all arrangements for the monitoring and security of processions on Yaum-e-Ashur. He said that 225 CCTV cameras have been installed on the routes of the processions and sensitive places while five helicopters will monitor mourning processions. Moreover, Chief Minister’s helicopter will also take part in this process.

DCO Lahore Usman Yunis, CCPO, DIG Police and other senior officers were also present. The Minister said that protection of mourners is the responsibility of the government and all out efforts will be made for this purpose. He said that generators and alternative arrangements have been made for CCTV cameras in case of power shutdown. He said that four tier security cordon will be established around Yaum-e-Ashur processions and officers of grade 18 and 19 of line agencies will remain present at the control rooms set up at DCO office. He said that the control room set up in all districts including Lahore have been linked to the central control room at the provincial level.

The Minister further said that 26 thousand police officials have been deputed in Lahore while a total of one lakh 20 thousand in districts of the province. He said that protection of mourners will be ensured at any cost and ISI, IB, Army, Rangers and other agencies will maintain a close coordination and work together for this purpose. He said that 84 companies of Army and 14 of Rengers will play their role in maintaining law and order in Muharram-ul-Haram. He said that district administration and peace committees of all districts have been fully empowered during Muharram.

The Home Minister further said that there is a complete ban on the carrying and display of fire-arms during Muharram and cases have been registered against 100 persons for its violation. He expressed the hope that peace and law and order will prevail on Muharram-ul-Haram due to the foolproof arrangements made by Punjab government. He said that Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen has assured its complete cooperation for this purpose. He said that complete implementation of SOPs and checklist for Muharram-ul-Haram will be ensured and all institutions will work together.

Shuja Khanzada also met Shia leaders Kh. Basharat Hussain Kalbalae, Rana Shah Hussain Qazalbash, Syed Aqeel Haider Gilani who expressed complete confidence in the security arrangements made by Punjab government for Muharram-ul-Haram and assured their full cooperation in this regard.