Staff Reporter
DERA GHAZI KHAN,:On the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister(CM) Maryam Nawaz,Regional Police Officer (RPO) Dera Ghazi Khan, Captain (R) Sajjad Hassan Khan on Saturday issued a region-wide red alert for security arrangements on the 10th of Muharram (Youm-e-Ashura).According to police sources,comprehensive security plans have been finalized for all four districts of the region, covering a total of 449 licensed processions and 481 Majalis to be held on Youm-e-Ashura.More than 11,000 officers and personnel have been deployed, including 40 DSPs,79 inspectors and 446 Sub-Inspectors to ensure foolproof security.To maintain law and order,Army and Rangers units will work alongside the police.Additional support will be provided by the Elite Force,Quick Response Force,Punjab Constabulary,Punjab Highway Patrol(PHP) and over 2,943 registered volunteers assisting with security duties.RPO Captain (R) Sajjad Hassan Khan himself remains active in the field,conducting on-ground inspections of security arrangements at sensitive Imambargahs, Majalis, and main procession routes. Under his directives, streets and roads leading to processions have been sealed off with barbed wire and barriers.Security sweeps and screenings are being carried out by the Bomb Disposal Squad and Special Branch teams. Surveillance continues with 1,290 CCTV cameras,mobile surveillance vehicles and video recording.
Drone cameras were also being used to monitor surrounding areas,while snipers have been deployed on rooftops of buildings along the procession routes.Police personnel in plain clothes have been assigned to various locations to enhance vigilance.All border and inter-provincial check posts have been placed on high alert with strict checking at city entry and exit points,inter-provincial borders and other critical points using modern screening methods.RPO Captain (R) Sajjad Hassan Khan has directed all district heads to remain present in the field to ensure strict implementation of the issued security plan. He stressed that any violations of the code of conduct,display of weapons,misuse of loudspeakers or other breaches of law will be dealt with strictly and indiscriminately.Supervisory officers have been instructed to brief deployed personnel on the sensitivity of their duties and ensure complete adherence to agreed routes,timings and code of conduct during all processions and Majalis.
