Police and trader representatives discuss security coordination, surveillance measures and traffic management ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram.
PESHAWAR: Authorities in Peshawar have intensified preparations for Muharram-ul-Haram, with senior police officials and representatives of the business community agreeing to strengthen coordination aimed at maintaining peace and security during the religious month.
A series of separate meetings chaired by SSP Operations Farhan Khan were held at Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines, where delegations of trader organizations led by Malik Mehar Elahi, Shahid Khan and Sharafat Ali Mubarak discussed security arrangements and law-and-order measures for the upcoming observances.
Senior police officers, including SP City Shahid Adnan, SP Cantt Abdullah Ahsan, DSP Hashnagri Circle Waris Khan, DSP Cantt Circle Raza Muhammad Khan and DSP City Ahmed Rashid Khan, attended the sessions.
During the meetings, participants exchanged views on security challenges and proposed several recommendations to ensure the peaceful conduct of Muharram processions and gatherings. SSP Operations Farhan Khan assured trader representatives that their suggestions would be reviewed and implemented on a priority basis where feasible.
Speaking on the occasion, Farhan Khan said Peshawar Police would remain in close contact with religious scholars, community leaders, traders and representatives of different schools of thought to promote harmony and strengthen security coordination throughout Muharram.
He emphasized that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the top priority and said all available resources would be utilized to ensure a secure environment during the religious observances.
Police officials also directed a fresh security audit of imambargahs, mosques, markets and other sensitive locations across the city. Security plans will be updated based on audit recommendations, while additional checkpoints and snap-checking operations will be conducted on major entry and exit routes.
Authorities further ordered strict monitoring of suspicious individuals, enhanced scrutiny of hotels and guest houses, and intelligence-based search and strike operations in suburban and sensitive areas.
According to police officials, surveillance systems under the Safe City Project and monitoring facilities at the Khan Raziq Shaheed Police Control Room will play a key role in overseeing processions and sensitive routes during Muharram.
The SSP Operations said security would remain on high alert throughout the month, warning that no negligence would be tolerated. Local police personnel will be deployed at checkpoints and entry points, while control rooms and rooftop observation posts will also be established.
Specialized units, including the Rapid Response Force, Quick Response Force, Ababeel Squad, City Patrolling Force, Elite Force, bomb disposal teams, sniffer dog units and plainclothes personnel, will be deployed to strengthen security and ensure a swift response to any emergency situation.
The meetings concluded with a commitment from both police and trader representatives to work together in support of peace, public safety and the smooth observance of Muharram-ul-Haram across Peshawar.
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