Surprise call: Police stage anti-terror drill at imambargah

Crime scene created, official respond within 3 minutes

LAHORE: A mock exercise was staged at Imambargah Khaima-e-Saadat in Lahore on Saturday to train law-enforcement agencies to respond to any untoward incidents during Muharram in a professional and effective manner.

The initiative was led by Civil Lines SP Ali Raza. Personnel of the Civil Lines Division police, Dolphin Force and Special Branch participated in the exercise. Rescue 1122, Bomb Disposal Squad and firefighters also coordinated with the police.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Raza said a mock crime scene was created during the exercise where militants had attacked the premises and taken people hostage.  A call was placed with Rescue 15. Old Anarkali police station responded to the call and reached the site within three minutes. They were joined by police from nearby police stations, Dolphin Force, Special Branch and Rescue 1122 and a group of firefighters. The area was cordoned off and various police teams were formed.

One of the teams intruded, disarmed the suspects and eventually arrested them. Another team evacuated the victims. Forensic experts collected evidence from the crime scene. Other teams conducted search and combing operations in adjoining areas.

The SP said the initiative aimed to prepare personnel for any eventuality. It sought to strengthen coordination between different forces and departments and improve response time.

Similar mock exercises were held in Karbala Gamay Shah Idara Minhajul Hasnain and at an imambargah in Model Town.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2016.