Warding off threats: K-P govt to beef up security on BRT system

Security personnel to be deployed in buses

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has designed a well-equipped security system for its proposed Bus Rapid Transit System project.

The main objective is to safeguard the BRT from any possible terror attack, as indicated in the documents of the system’s preliminary design, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune.

According to the documents, security is the biggest challenge faced by the administration in implementing the BRT system in Peshawar owing to the repeated attacks on government installations including buildings, schools, universities and even public transport.

Earlier in February, a bus carrying employees of Peshawar’s civil secretariat came under attack near the Suneheri Masjid, leaving 19 passengers dead.

“These attacks [on public transport buses] are mostly executed by terrorists to create fear and chaos among the general public. Regardless of the main reason behind such attacks, the security measures to be introduced for BRT will minimise the risk of an attack,” the documents read.

Closed Circuit Television camera (CCTV) will be installed at every BRT station in Peshawar, including several bus stops located outside the corridor.

According to the documents, these cameras will enable real-time monitoring of the stations. The monitoring rooms will then be able to inform security forces in case of any suspicious activity.

Besides the stations, it has been suggested that four CCTV cameras should be installed in each bus—three inside the bus and one at the front.

Furthermore, security guards will be deployed at BRT stations and inside the buses.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2016.