Youm-e-Ali, Youm-e-Quds and Jumatul-Wida: LEAs directed to ensure foolproof security

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while presiding over a high-level meeting, reviewed arrangements for Youm-e-Ali (AS), Youm-e-Quds and Juma-tul-Wida, and directed law enforcement agencies to ensure foolproof security for all processions and gatherings across the province.

The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by Provincial Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and Riaz Shah Shirazi, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan, Additional IG CTD Zulfiqar larik and other senior officials.

During the meeting, the security plan for Youm-e-Quds and Juma-tul-Wida on March 13 and Youm-e-Ali (AS) on 21st Ramadan (March 11) was reviewed in detail.

Security, logistics and surveillance measures:

The meeting was informed that comprehensive security, logistics and communication arrangements have been finalised across the province to ensure the peaceful observance of the upcoming events. A total of 22,304 police personnel will be deployed in different ranges, including Karachi (7,908), Hyderabad (2,317), Mirpurkhas (392), Shaheed Benazirabad (1,788), Larkana (6,757) and Sukkur (3,142).

The deployment includes 8,426 personnel for static duties, 3,942 for pickets, 3,164 on mobile patrols and 1,488 on motorcycles, along with reserves and additional operational staff. Police will also utilise 750 mobile vehicles and 764 motorcycles for patrolling and rapid response.

On the chief minister’s directives, detailed surveys of procession routes and venues in Karachi have been conducted, while additional CCTV cameras are being installed at strategic locations. Civic infrastructure along the routes is being repaired by the administration, and clearance certificates of adjacent buildings and installations are being obtained to further strengthen security.

Law enforcement agencies have intensified combing and intelligence-based operations around sensitive venues and procession routes. Flag marches are being carried out to demonstrate preparedness and deter potential threats, while snap-checking and skeleton deployments will remain in place at key locations.

Enhanced monitoring will be carried out through Smart Eye, ROPE and TRS surveillance systems, while the Special Branch will maintain strict vigilance at airports, bus terminals, food transport hubs and railway stations.

Rescue services have also finalised rescue and evacuation plans to ensure a swift response to any emergency situation.

The chief minister directed law enforcement agencies to ensure foolproof security arrangements for all processions and gatherings. He further instructed that security and monitoring along the routes of processions and congregations be strengthened.

Murad Ali Shah also directed all relevant law enforcement agencies and administration to work in full coordination to ensure the peaceful observance of the events.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026