Asking for public support: A year on, security still under review

RPO meeting at Central Police Office chalks out another strategy against terrorists

PESHAWAR:

The brutal attack on Bacha Khan University in Charsadda has clearly demonstrated that despite best efforts, educational institutes remain vulnerable. And so, law-enforcement agencies went back to the drawing board on Thursday after the latest assault shook the nation which had not recovered from the Army Public School massacre.

A regional police officers (RPO) conference was held under the aegis of K-P IGP Nasir Khan Durrani at the Central Police Office in the city.

The meeting discussed the prevalent security situation and a strategy was devised to counter emerging tactics adopted by militants to attack soft targets. While some measures such as actually installing police at varsities were discussed at a Cabinet meeting the same day, the rest were broadly outlined at the RPO moot. Security at all sensitive installations such as educational institutions, government establishments, foreign projects and places of worship for minorities would be increased. Officials “vowed to adopt a strong offensive strategy against militants and extremists”.

Sleeper cells

The IGP stressed on carrying out joint search and strike operations to rid settled areas of any militant sleeper cells and their facilitators and sympathisers. Considering the approach of Wednesday’s attackers is considered the porous borders in Mohmand Agency, the RPO meeting decided police checking on arteries connecting the tribal areas would be enhanced.

Durrani stressed the need to adopt “participatory security” and directed RPOs to sensitise authorities of educational institutions, bus terminals, hospitals and other vulnerable establishments on enhancing safety. He said it was imperative for these officials to extend complete cooperation to the police.

It was decided to launch an awareness campaign to sensitise the public about being vigilant about suspicious activities in their surroundings. Durrani also ordered the RPOs to utilise public liaison councils established at the village and neighbourhood levels.

The IGP specifically directed RPOs to review security of all educational institutions within a period of two days and file a report.

DIG Counter-Terrorism, regional police officers of six divisions—Mardan, Hazara, Malakand, DI Khan, Bannu and Kohat—capital city police officer and Peshawar SSP Operations were part of the meeting.

Hospital visit

Earlier, Durrani visited Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) to inquire after the health of an injured police officer and student who suffered injuries in the attack. Upon his arrival, the IGP went straight to the beds of injured Constable Hizar Hayat and MA English student Samiulah in the ICU.

Durrani said, “This was an attack on the nation and cooperation showed by the public with law-enforcement agencies would be remembered in history.”

Narrating the extraordinary courage and bravery of Hayat, Durrani said the policeman pushed his SHO back so he could be in the front to pursue the attackers. The constable suffered multiple bullet wounds but never gave up, Durrani told the media.

Meanwhile, Samiullah’s brother told the IGP the student was also preparing for his CSS examination. The IGP said his brother was a symbol of valour. “I am sure he will qualify for the CSS examination and join the PSP group,” he told the brother.

Durrani said evidence had been collected and all the facilitators and sympathisers would be brought to justice soon. “The war against terrorist was not conventional and terrorists were after soft targets.” He added terrorists would be eliminated with the active support of the general public.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd,  2016.