RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR The peaceful observance of Muharram throughout KP reflects the effective strategy on part of the provincial police.

During Muharram the quantum of threat was very high and it was frequently apprehended that the militants will target Muharram Majalis and processions to create fissures among the rank and file of the Muslim community. However, the police devised a comprehensive strategy which paid rich dividends in the form of complete peace and harmony during the crucial days of Muharram throughout the province.

It is worth mentioning that the strategy was divided in three parts; first one was pre-Muharram planning, second during-Muharram and the third part was post-Muharram strategy. In the pre-Muharram strategy, the police reached out to the all stakeholders including leaders of all schools of thought, local notables, traders and media men to resolve all outstanding disputed issues related to Muharram including procession’s timing and route etc.

The police successfully made all the parties agree on a code of conduct to ensure that no hate speech is delivered. Similarly, it was ensured that the misuse of loudspeaker is strictly checked.

In this connection, the IGP Nasir Khan Durrani also paid visits to the most sensitive districts of Hangu, Kohat, Peshawar and Nowshera and met with the elders and peace committees of the districts to ensure sectarian harmony and tranquillity.

The IGP also reviewed the strategy of the local police and directed for strict implementation of Muharram related instructions. In the second part of Muharram during processions, the police employed advanced technical gadgetry to ensure surveillance of the processions and keep a close eye on any possible miscreant activity.

In this connection, the CCTV Cameras, drone cameras and vehicle mounted high rise 360 degree cameras were deployed. Besides these steps for the first time the High Tech Drone Cameras were also used for surveillance and monitoring of the processions.

The deployment was done in such a manner that the technical gadgetry supplemented the physical deployment on the ground and didn’t allow any miscreant for any misadventure.

All stakeholders appreciated the effective steps of the police and deployment of new tools and technology for the protection of Muharram processions.

The IGP Nasir Khan Durrani has appreciated the effective and meaningful planning and excellent execution of Muharram strategy by all field commanders and impressed upon the police Officers to keep on taking help of new technologies for ensuring security in their areas in future too.

The IGP also thanked the leaders of different sects, notable, political leaders and media men for extending full cooperation to police Command for ensuring perfect harmony and effective security during Muharram.