Nisar asks security agencies to remain on high alert

With security being a prime concern during the ongoing Islamic month of Muharram, Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has asked law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert as there was "war like situation" in the country.
Nisar chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the overall security situation in the country with particular reference to the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The minister was briefed about the security plan devised by the law enforcing agencies to maintain law and order, especially during the month of Muharram.
The Muharram month began in the backdrop of the killing of Tehrik-e-Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud. The banned group has vowed to take revenge. The Muharram processions have been target of the militant groups in the past.

"The Minister stressed on the officers of the law enforcing agencies to work diligently and take responsibility as it is war like situation through which the country is passing at the moment," a statement released by the Interior Ministry said.
He directed the IG Islamabad and officers of Rawalpindi Police to implement the proposed security plan in letter and spirit to avoid any unfortunate incident and passed some special directives for beefing up the security of twin cities.

During the meeting held yesterday, he directed that all entry points be thoroughly checked and the forces be strategically placed.
He stressed that all the routes for the Muharram procession be highly protected and special attention be paid to un-conventional routes including jeep-able and pedestrian routes and identify important and sensitive buildings and their security be beefed up.

The security combing of shopping malls be carried out so that the security of general public is ensured, he said, adding quick response teams supported by Rangers be placed at high alert and visual monitoring of sensitive places be utilized.
The meeting decided to pay special attention to the policing of the respective areas from dusk to dawn.
With special reference to the Muharram processions, he said that security personnel should remain extremely vigilant till the dispersal of the processions, so that no unlawful element may not take the advantage for fulfilling their evil designs, the Ministry said.
Thorough registration of outsiders be positively ensured with the help of Special Branch and NADRA, he added.

The meeting also discussed the prospects of a joint command and control system for major cities.
The Minister also stressed on the need for better coordination between Police and the Rangers during Muharram in order to protect the life and property of the residents.
The Minister told the Islamabad Police to desist from filing false FIRs and respect the 'Chadar and Char Dewari' of common people and rather focus their attention in apprehending those involved in criminal activities.