Security on high alert across Pakistan to avoid sectarian clashes

Security has been beefed up across Pakistan especially in southern Karachi and eastern Rawalpindi cities to avoid any unpleasant incident during the observance of Chehlum, 40th day of martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, said officials on Monday. According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesman, 10,000 army men would be working with the civil administration for the maintenance of law and order during the observance of Chehlum on Tuesday. Military troops along with armored vehicles have been deployed in cities declared sensitive including Karachi and Rawalpindi on the request of federal and provincial governments. Earlier on November 15, at least eleven people were killed and a market was burnt in result of violence between two groups in Rawalpindi. The clashes erupted in the city's Raja Bazar area as an Ashura (the day of martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain) procession in the main downtown area coincided with a sermon in a nearby mosque. Army took over the security control and a curfew was imposed in the city to control the situation. The Pakistan Telecom Authority has announced a suspension of cellular phone services in major cities due to security concerns. Pillion riding has been banned in southern Sindh province and Rawalpindi city. The administration officials have announced that a strict adherence to the ban on the use of loudspeakers would also be implemented. Moreover, at least 5,000 policemen and three companies of the army and another ten of the Rangers would be deployed for security along the main Chehlum procession route in Rawalpindi. Law enforcers would conduct strict checking at all entry and exit points of the city, whereas a ban has also been imposed on carrying weapons.