Counter-terrorism strategy devised for security in Muharram: Sharmila

KARACHI: Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh on Information and Archives Sharmila Farooqui while elaborating Muharram security plan, said on Sunday that Sindh police has devised four stages counter-terrorism strategy in order to check the wave of terrorism in the province during Muharram.

In an interview, Sharmila said that as per the strategy, preparation of police force for impending war against terrorists has been made to create awareness among police officials, which may improve their knowledge of how terrorists threat could manifest and how it could be prevented. This is to be achieved through preparation and circulation of material on threat perceptions, she said.

The advisor further informed that drawing and rehearsing of contingency plans have also been devised so as to give a befitting response to terrorists in case of any possible terrorist strike. The advisor said that to counter extremism and violence, arrangements have been made to ensure close surveillance, restricting the movement and preventive detention of extremist Ulema, leaders and persons born on 4th Schedule.

Provision of police protection to some Ulema and proactive policing before and during Muharram days have also been mentioned in the strategy, she said. The advisor said throughout checking of travelers from up country at various entry points would be made besides carrying out close monitoring of stores selling precursor chemical and acids.

She also elaborated on other security measures during Muharram under which police meetings with Ulema/Organizers of processions and Majalis would be held to ensure strict observance of religious harmony and tolerance besides carrying out round-the-clock surveillance of procession routes by mobile and foot patrolling and intelligence parties.

The police will also ensure strong coordination with other agencies (CID, SB, Rangers, Intelligence Agencies etc) for effective and timely communication of intelligence. She said that orders have also been issued to conduct CCTV Cameras and Video Recording Monitoring for all major and sensitive processions, specially in cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas and Larkana.

“Under the Muharam security plant, strict ban on pillion riding would be ensured and zero tolerance to be observed against display of arms while security will be boosted at all Mazars of saints like Qalandar Shahbaz, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Abdullah Shah Ghazi and Qadam Gah Ali in Hyderabad.

She also elaborated evacuation plan which mentions that in case of any eventuality like a bomb blast, following has already been planned, prepared and rehearsed for implementation: a proper evacuation plan listing name-wise duties/tasks like evacuation of public including dead and injured, protection of scene of crime etc while a post incidence investigation team will immediately respond at the scene and take charge of the investigation.

She further informed that the medical superintendents of all government hospitals have already been requested to arrange first aid facilities, adequate blood supply and bound the paramedical staff and doctors to remain stand by from 1st to 10th Muharram.

The KESC and HESCO has also been asked not to carry out load-shedding between sunset and sunrise from 1st to 13th Muharram, while local administration has been asked to rehabilitate roads, sewers and other infrastructure along the procession routes, Sharmila further informed. She said PEMRA has also been requested not to allow any obscene and controversial TV program that could harm religious feeling or incite hatred.

She informed that there are 304, 220 and 144 troublespots/flash points in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur Regions respectively, while the sensitive areas of Karachi are Sohrab Goth, Lyari, Korangi, Gulbahar, Orangi Town, Manghopir, Quaidabad and New Karachi.

She also informed about the total deployment of police during Muharram days that include. “Rangers will be deployed as per local requirement. All modalities with Rangers authorities have already been worked out. Army will remain as stand-by force and could be activated in extreme cases only,” Sharmila concluded.


Sharmila advised people to keep eye on suspected people and isolated items and to be cautious and careful in view of security during the eve of Muharram-ul-Haram.