IGP Special branch said his department will be responsible for scanning routes of Muharram processions across the province with the help of the police. Sniffer dogs and metal detectors were also being provided. PHOTO: FILE
Additional Inspector General Police (IGP) Special Branch Masood Khan Afridi said the branch will soon be made an intelligence agency to assist in combating terrorism.
In a statement issued from the IGP’s office on Thursday, Afridi stated the branch has played its due role in the war on terror, including providing VIP security, and was now ready to assist police during Muharram.
Afridi said his department will be responsible for scanning routes of Muharram processions across the province with the help of the police. Sniffer dogs and metal detectors were also being provided. “We currently have nine sniffer dogs and have asked for 50 more,” he said, adding the government has promised to provide 15 for the time being.
“We have detected and defused thousands of explosive devices, which alone is a remarkable feat,” he said, adding police and media should work together to combat terrorism.
Search operation
Meanwhile, 150 people were arrested on grounds of suspicion in a joint search operation by the police and security forces in Faqirabad and Paharipura areas of the city earlier.
The operation was conducted in Pakha Ghulam, Budhu Samar Bagh, Garhi Baloch, Fazal Rehman Colony, Shinwari Town, Mohmand Qala, Ittihad Colony, Jahangirabad and Saeedabad by police and a contingent of the Pakistan Army.
“The search operation started around 3am in the morning in the jurisdiction of the Faqirabad police station. Army cordoned off the entire locality and police carried out a door-to-door search,” said a police official. He said the raids were extended to the jurisdiction of Paharipura police station and lasted for six hours.
“Around 150 people were arrested on suspicion but the ones detained were those arrested with arms. The rest were interrogated and released on the surety of local elders,” he explained, adding the operation was conducted for Muharram security.
In the past 10 days, police and security forces have conducted operations in Badhaber, Pishtakhara, Chamkani, Regi and Nasir Bagh as well as Bhanamari and Yakatoot in which several suspects were arrested.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2013.
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The public should be reminded that PPP was voted into power by them... For 5 years Pakistan was being run by criminals
The public may wonder WHY it has taken so many years for much needed terrorism laws to be (finally) passed, along with the setup of special anti-terrorism forces to try and fight this war!