Strike call: Police prepared to maintain order: DIG

Haider Ashraf says security tightened at city entrances

LAHORE: At least 7,000 police officials would be deployed across the city on Tuesday (today) to deal with potential disorder in view of a strike call following the execution of Mumtaz Qadri for the murder of then governor Salmaan Taseer, Operations DIG Haider Ashraf said.

“Engagement, deterrence and target hardening are part of the security plan we have devised,” the DIG said. He said that security would be tightened at city entrances and exits, important government installations, police buildings and courts.

Ashraf said barbed wires and barricades would be used to protect important buildings. “These will keep the [potential] troublemakers engaged at various flash points and prevent them from breaching the red lines,” the DIG said.

The officer said that several police teams, including officials from the Quick Response Force, would patrol various roads throughout the day. Elite Force, too, would carry out a flag march on major roads, he said. “Senior police officers will be part of the patrolling teams,” Ashraf said.

The DIG said that the staff at Operations Room at the DIG’s office would monitor the law and order situation. He said that the police officials to be deployed had been equipped with the modern gear.

The All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran general secretary Abdul Razzaq said the traders’ association did not feel any need for closing the city markets on Tuesday (today). He said he did not see a total shut-down. A representative of the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation said there was no decision to keep schools closed. He said he expected most schools to follow their routines.

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