Govt greenlights army deployment across country for Muharram security

ISLAMABAD (Dateline News) – The federal government has granted the approval of army deployment across the country during Muharram to ensure security. The federal government has approved deployment of Pakistan Army and civil armed forces in Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan along with provinces, says a notification. The notification mentions that details about army deployment will be discussed with relevant authorities. The deployment of army and civil armed forces has been allowed for an indefinite period. The army as a quick response force is going to be deployed on request of provinces. The provinces will decide about the places and numbers of deployment of army troops. Earlier, the Sindh government approved the deployment of army, rangers and FC personnel.With the advent of Muharram on Monday (today), the Punjab police have finalised foolproof security arrangements to protect processions and Majalis (gatherings) across the province. As many as 10,700 processions and 38,000 Majalis will take place in the province. Over 215,000 officers and personnel will perform security duty, with over 28,000 officers and personnel will specifically be deployed in Lahore. Rangers and the Pakistan Army, along with other govt security institutions, will help police for peaceful Muharram. Over 66,000 community voluneers and 45,000 volunteers will perform security duty for Muharram processions. Various field formations including CTD, special branch, traffic police, Dolphin Squad, and Peru, will perform their duties as part of the security plan. Across the province, 633 points have been identified as flashpoints, with 283 in Lahore alone. In Lahore, 54 locations are deemed extremely sensitive, and 229 sensitive, with additional personnel deployed accordingly. Province-wide, 586 locations are classified as sensitive, and 146 as extremely sensitive. Police will ensure the strict implementation of Section 144 during Ashura, whereas bans on aerial firing, weapon displays, hate speech, and incitement will be strictly ensured.The Punjab government has also imposed a ban on pillion riding from Muharram 7 to 10.