Save the date: ‘Stringent’ security measures in place for Independence Day

Home dept announces deployment of special police contingents at checkpoints and sensitive installations.

PESHAWAR/ CHARSADDA: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government announced foolproof security measures to deal with all kinds of emergencies on Independence Day through a statement issued by the K-P Home and Tribal Affairs Department on Tuesday,

According to the notification, Home Secretary Syed Akhtar Ali Shah directed all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional and district police officers to implement the security plan adopted for August 14. Shah directed all relevant officials to depute special police commando contingents at sensitive installations, including the Water and Power Development Authority’s property, gas installations, airports, television and radio stations, railway and bus stations, cinema halls, public places and parks.

The notification read that traffic officials have been directed to take action against motorcycles without silencers and also to maintain a smooth flow of traffic in Peshawar, Abbottabad, Galiyat region, Kaghan Valley, Dir, Swat, Shangla and Chitral so tourists do not experience any problems.

A provincial crisis management cell has also been established at the home department to monitor security arrangements on August 14. Besides monitoring via CCTV cameras, the number of police personnel has been enhanced at security checkpoints and sensitive installations in the province.

Charsadda DPO Shafiullah Khan told the media on Tuesday that checkpoints have been set up at all exit and entry routes of the district ahead of Independence Day. “Complete security measures have been taken to avert any untoward incident,” said Shafiullah. “Special squads have also been formed for keeping vigil during the night.”(With additional input by our correspondent in )

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th,2014.