Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, visited Abbottabad on Friday and chaired a high-level meeting to review security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram, the overall law and order situation, public services, and the performance of Police Facilitation Centers.
During the meeting, DIG Hazara Nasir Mahmood Satti briefed the IGP on Muharram security plans, including surveillance of sensitive locations, protection of processions and religious gatherings, intelligence coordination, traffic management, and the overall law and order situation across the region.
The IGP directed police officers to ensure comprehensive and foolproof security during Muharram. He emphasized that the safety of processions, gatherings, Imambargahs, and other religious events must remain the top priority. He ordered fresh security audits of sensitive locations and called for the effective use of CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors, and other modern surveillance equipment.
Hameed also instructed police officials to strengthen checking at entry and exit points, maintain special surveillance on rooftops and high-rise buildings along procession routes, and keep snipers and quick response teams on high alert. He ordered an increase in search, sweep, and intelligence-based operations against criminal and disruptive elements.
The IGP stressed the need for close coordination with peace committees, religious scholars, procession organizers, and district administrations to promote harmony, tolerance, and brotherhood during Muharram. He also directed the authorities to implement effective traffic management plans and keep the public informed about alternative routes.
Reviewing crime prevention efforts in Hazara Division, the IGP ordered strict action against drug dealers and those involved in serious crimes, including murder, robbery, theft, and banditry. He directed the police to form special teams to arrest wanted criminals and ensure transparent and professional investigations.
The meeting also reviewed the security of key development projects and foreign experts, particularly Chinese nationals working in Hazara. The IGP directed the police to further strengthen security measures and strictly implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in development projects.