Muharram in Pakistan: Karachi Police warn government authorities to be wary of sectarian clashes, terror attack

A threat alert has been issued for the anti-encroachment police in Pakistan’s Karachi, warning of possible terrorist’s attack during Muharram, Pakistan media reported. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Karachi, Tariq Islam issued guidelines for the officials and said that the anti-encroachment police personnel have been warned against going alone on official duty during Muharram in the wake of recent attacks.

The notification further warned that government officials could be targeted in Karachi during Muharram. The officials were directed to use police vans for official assignments and avoid wearing uniforms and shoes while returning home after finishing duties. Earlier on July 8, 2024, the federal government approved the deployment of armed forces across the country to ensure security during the month of Muharram, as reported by Pakistan media

This comes following the request of the authorities in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad to deploy military to control the law-and-order situation. The Pakistan government under Article 245 of the Constitution, authorised the “deployment of army troops/assets and civil armed forces troops/assets” to ensure peace, according to Pakistani media

Pakistan’s Interior Ministry clarified that the deployment of the army will be based on the ground situation and that the provinces will have the authority to determine the deployment locations. Earlier, Pakistan’s Punjab government requested country’s interior ministry for a ‘temporary suspension’ on social media platforms from July 6-11 during Muharram processions, Pakistan media reported.

Heightened security measures are currently underway across various regions of the Islamic Republic, as reported by Pakistani media. It has been reported that 502 locations in Punjab have been identified as ‘sensitive areas’, prompting the deployment of army and Ranger’s personnel. Muharram holds profound significance for Shia Muslims. However, Pakistan has faced recurrent sectarian violence during this period between Sunni and Shia communities.