ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital police chief directed officials to tighten security measures to protect mosques, markets and commercial centers during the holy month of Ramadan, an official statement said, as the country has witnessed a surge in militant violence and protests in the wake of the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
The move comes days after protesters in Islamabad briefly breached the Red Zone, a high-security area with government and diplomatic facilities, on Sunday. Last month, at least 32 people were killed in a suicide bombing at a mosque and imambargah on the outskirts of the capital.
Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi chaired an Operational Commanders Conference at the Safe City Islamabad Headquarters to review security arrangements for the second phase of Ramadan, according to the police spokesperson.
“Special security for places of worship must be ensured during the holy month of Ramadan,” he was quoted as saying in the statement circulated by the police. “Security of key installations, markets and commercial centers should be further strengthened.”
He directed officials to ensure strict checks at the city’s entry and exit points, with additional police personnel deployed during Sahoor, Iftar and Taraweeh timings.
Rizvi called for “effective monitoring” across the city through safe city cameras, urging police patrol units to remain vigilant and active.
The capital police chief said additional traffic policemen should also be deployed around major highways.
“Islamabad Police remain fully committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens,” the statement quoted him as saying.
