Islamabad, Mar 13: Suthorities stepped up security throughout Pakistan today to prevent any outbreaks of sectarian violence during Muharram, a mourning period that is particularly important to Shiite Muslims. "We are prepared for all eventualities," said Tasneem Noorani, a top official at Pakistan's interior ministry. "We hope, god willing, that Muharram will pass peacefully." While most of Pakistan's 140 million people are Sunni Muslims and live largely in peace with the minority Shiites, small extremist groups from the two sects are blamed for attacking each other. The most potentially dangerous time for sectarian violence is during the 9th and 10th days of Muharram _ which fall Thursday and Friday _ when Shiite Muslims hold processions through the streets, beating themselves to mourn Hussein's death.

Noorani said police reservists, paramilitary rangers and army troops have been called out to assist civilian authorities in maintaining security for Muharram processions.

"From the village to the provincial level all security arrangements are coordinated," the official said. Police had received no specific threats, he added.
Bureau Report