News
Sunday, November 03, 2013
Security beefed up in twin cities after Mehsud’s deathBy Kiyya Qadir Baloch
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Following the killing of banned militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike in North Waziristan security was put on high alert in the twin cities and its adjoining areas.
In an attempt to prevent a possible backlash from the TTP, security was increased at all sensitive government installations in the capital, including the Jinnah Avenue and the localities adjacent to the Parliament Lodges and the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Strict identity checks are being ensured in the Red Zone and other areas, including the President’s House, Prime Minister’s House and Parliament House.
Police patrolling was also increased in the capital in addition to monitoring of all routes leading to Islamabad.
The police, on directives of the Interior Ministry, further stepped up checking at all security pickets and thorough monitoring on all entry points of the capital city is being ensured.
Blockades have been set up at all entry points of the city and search of suspicious persons is underway. Police have also increased snap checking in the twin cities.
“Security has been beefed up in the capital to avert any untoward incident after getting the reports of the death of Hakimullah Mehsud, the chief of the banned TTP,” said Naeem Iqbal, the capital police spokesman.
Talking to Daily Times, he said a special meeting presided over by Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sikandar Hayat was held here on Saturday, which was also attended by Islamabad AIG (Operations) Sultan Azam Temuri, Special Branch AIG Waqar Ahmad Chohan, Islamabad SSP Dr Muhammad Rizwan, SP (Investigation) Muhammad Ilyas, SP (City) Mustansar Feroz, SP (Saddar) Jamil Ahmad Hashmi, Acting SSP (Traffic) Asmatullah Junejo, all SDPOs and DSPs.
The police spokesman said Islamabad SSP Muhammad Rizwan briefed the meeting about the security arrangements made for the capital. He said the IGP has directed all SDPOs and SHOs to launch a search operation in the slums of the city, including the Afghan habitats and enhance vigilance at all entry points of the city.
“Security has been tightened at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport and other important installations after reports came that the TTP chief has been killed in a drone strike,” a police source said. The source said the police and commando teams had been deployed at important installations in the city.
The source further told this scribe that the IGP had directed all police stations to make effective security arrangements at worship places, majalis and processions of Muharram.
The police source said the IGP had reviewed the security arrangements for the capital, which would be made more comprehensive keeping in view the law and order situation.
Foolproof security arrangements were being made to ensure maintenance of law and order and protection of life and property of the citizens, the source added.
Security agencies were also put on high alert in Rawalpindi and the number of personnel deployed at security checkposts was also increased. In addition to this, police patrolling was increased in Rawalpindi and they were monitoring entry points of the city.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk