QUETTA: Authorities in Balochistan have deployed over 32,000 security personnel and suspended mobile and internet services across multiple districts as part of a comprehensive security plan for Ashura processions, officials confirmed Friday.
In the provincial capital Quetta alone, more than 17,000 security forces have been stationed along procession routes, at sensitive locations, and at the city’s entry and exit points. The contingent includes personnel from the district police, Balochistan Constabulary, Response Force, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), Frontier Corps (FC) and Anti-Riots Force.
All shops, markets, plazas and business centers along procession routes have been sealed in the presence of traders’ representatives and shopkeepers, according to official sources. The routes will undergo snap checking, while Bomb Disposal Squad teams conduct sweeping operations to eliminate potential threats.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Police Quetta, Lieutenant (Retd) Imran Shaukat, said foolproof arrangements had been finalized for the central Ashura procession. “Strict security measures will remain in place, with heavy deployment of police and FC personnel,” he said, adding that aerial surveillance would also be conducted.
Mobile phone and internet services will remain suspended from 6:00am to 8:00pm in Quetta and seven other districts during the 9th and 10th of Muharram as part of the security plan.
Meanwhile, the 9th Muharram mourning procession of Shabeeh and Zuljanah was taken out from Imambargah Nasir-ul-Aza on Mekangi Road under the leadership of Balochistan Shia Conference President Ashiq Hussain. The procession passed through Mekangi Road and Usman Road before concluding at the same Imambargah.
