SECURITY ALERT & ADVISORY

MUHARRAM, ASHURA
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Abstract
Traffic police and security agencies in the country’s major cities have devised traffic plans to
implement an effective security strategy ahead of MUHARRAM, ASHURA, which is being
observed on Date: 9 & 10 Muharram
Large processions will be carried out across Pakistan to commemorate the martyrdom of
Imam Hussain and the plans have been designed to ensure foolproof security on the day.

Prepared by: Mr. Abubakar

Security Coordinator – FSC abubakar@famouspvt.com
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Event: MUHARRAM, ASHURA

Date: 9 & 10 Muharram / 20 & 21 Sep, 2018
Day: Thursday - Friday

The Government of Pakistan has announced two days holidays – Sunday & Monday, 08 & 09
September, 2019 – on account of Ashura, an annual religious event observed all around the
Muslim world on 09 & 10 of Muharram, first month of Islamic calendar.
Due to religious significance, the day is marked with numerous mass congregations and
mourning processions by Shiite community across Pakistan.
Historically religious events in Pakistan remain flashpoints to fuel sectarian violence thus
warrant heightened security arrangements and measures by the authorities as well as by
security leads of corporate sectors. Over the past decade, the menace of terrorism has added
to the already complex security environment of the country with a sharp focus on
orchestrating
sabotage activities targeting high profile religious dates. As such tension is expected to remain
mounted particularly around religious events organized in connection with Muharram.
History of events also suggest that sectarian violence once triggered has the potential to
spread
quickly into other areas known for sectarian violence and sometime continues for prolong
periods but differs in severity and nature.

 Diplomatic missions travel restrictions

 Overt deployment of additional contingents of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)
 Application of intense security measures such as imposition of section 144, ban on
pillion riding, and temporary suspension of cellular services in sensitive locales.
 Frequent snap checking by LEAs
 Road blockade around religious procession and gatherings

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MAIN PROCESSION ROUTES IN KARACHI, ISB/RAWALPINDI MULTAN AND

FAISALABAD
KARACHI

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ISLAMABAD

RAWALPINDI

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MULTAN

FAISALABAD

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ADVISORY
All staffs are advised to take following preventive measures in order to remain safe from
possible disruption;
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 Maintain low profile and avoid unnecessary movements during Ashura period
particularly in close vicinity of events related to Ashura.

 Take all necessary personal, residential and travel safety and security precautions.

 Carry along original CNIC and vehicle / motorbike registration papers to avoid
inconvenience during snap checking of law enforcement personnel.

 Traffic congestion is anticipated mainly in surrounding areas of the procession routes

hence plan your traveling accordingly to prevent traffic delays.

 Keep yourself abreast of the latest situation by regularly monitoring electronic /

social /print media.

 Playing loud music in the cars / residences is NOT advisable.

 Staff who plans to attend the Majalis or processions as part of a religious obligation
needs to be aware of the risks and shall adopt the security posture accordingly.

 Amid possible suspension of cellular phone services, use landline, Wi-Fi, social
media, whatsapp as a mean of communication for any routine, urgent or emergency
reporting.

 Please share this information to other colleagues / staffs who have no email access.

 Security department will be closely monitoring the event and will keep the
management posted on any untoward development.

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