PESHAWAR: The inner city of Peshawar has been sealed off and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel have been deployed to ensure complete peace and security during the last three days of Muharram.
The administration said that Police and FC personnel have been deployed at the entrances after sealing off various bazaars in the inner city. All routes to Kohati Gate, Qissa Khawani, Chowk Yadgar, Peepal Mandi and Yakatoot have been closed. Pakistan Army troops are also patrolling all the bazaars in the inner city.
The Peshawar district administration said that Khyber Bazaar will be closed today [17 August] to provide complete security to the Muharram procession. Moreover, all private educational institutions in the inner city have also been closed and mobile phone service will also be partially shut down on the ninth and tenth of Muharram.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has urged for coordination between the police and intelligence agencies to counter terrorism and maintain peace during Muharram. The minister said that the Afghan situation is also affecting the security situation in the province the police and other security agencies have been directed for effective measures to maintain peace.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Peshawar division Riaz Khan Mehaud has urged the religious scholars to help the government in maintaining peace during Muharram. In his meeting with clerics, Mehsud urged that maintaining peace and stability is the responsibility of every individual. He asked the religious scholars of all school of thoughts to play their role in this regard as well as implement the Covid-19 SOPs [standard operating procedures] during mourning gatherings and procession.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police said that all security arrangements have been finalized and 10,000 security personnel will perform duties during the Muharram. The officials said constable police were directed to wear bullet-proof jackets and helmets while performing duty during Muharram. The traffic police have also been directed to remain alert for any untoward security situation.