Chief minister told suspects have been identified
Shehbaz orders strengthening of security across province ahead of Nawaz’s rally
Security officials inspect the site of an explosion in Lahore on August 7, 2017 PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
The preliminary report on the Outfall Road blast revealed on Tuesday that the group involved in the incident has been identified by police and important arrests are expected soon.
It also disclosed that a vehicle, laden with 200 kilogrammes of explosive material, was parked at the truck stand for 12 hours on Saturday morning. These disclosures was made in a report presented to Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif while he was chairing a meeting on law and order to finalise security arrangements for Nawaz Sharif’s rally.
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The chief minister was informed that the truck was packed with 200 kilograms of explosive material and parked at Rehmat Bhatti Truck stand on Saturday morning. The truck owner assured the parking administration the vehicle would be moved. He claimed the truck was “loaded with fruits’.
It was stated in the report that the driver, along with a helper, came on Monday just four hours before the blast, asking for more time to move the truck. The report revealed the driver hailed from Mansehra near Abbottabad in K-P.
Shehbaz was informed that the suspects involved in the blast have been identified and would be arrested soon. Sources refused to disclose the name and details discussed in the meeting for secrecy’s sake. The chief minister was told vehicles surrounding the truck limited the impact of the blast to a great extent.
Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz said necessary steps should be taken for the protection of lives and property. He also asked for effective implementation of a security plan. The CM directed officials to strictly monitor all entry and exit points of the province.
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“Current circumstances require emergency measures as the enemy is trying to create instability in the country. Therefore, institutions and agencies concerned should discharge their duties with devotion and dedication,” he said.
Shehbaz said the incident on Outfall Road was indeed tragic and ordered a comprehensive investigation report at the earliest.
The CM also reprimanded officers concerned who were present in the meeting over the failure to move truck stands to places other than Sagian. Provincial ministers Rana Sanaullah, Ayub Ghadi, Jehangir Khanzada, MNA Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, additional chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), IGP and other officers concerned attended the meeting.
Nawaz-GT Road rally
Security arrangements for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s rally to Lahore were also discussed at length in the meeting. Shehbaz was informed that police and elite force would provide additional security cover. Basic security would be provided by the district police. It was said in the meeting that Nawaz would address public gatherings at 50 places.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2017.
The preliminary report on the Outfall Road blast revealed on Tuesday that the group involved in the incident has been identified by police and important arrests are expected soon.
It also disclosed that a vehicle, laden with 200 kilogrammes of explosive material, was parked at the truck stand for 12 hours on Saturday morning. These disclosures was made in a report presented to Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif while he was chairing a meeting on law and order to finalise security arrangements for Nawaz Sharif’s rally.
Activist among nine suspects held in Karachi raids
The chief minister was informed that the truck was packed with 200 kilograms of explosive material and parked at Rehmat Bhatti Truck stand on Saturday morning. The truck owner assured the parking administration the vehicle would be moved. He claimed the truck was “loaded with fruits’.
It was stated in the report that the driver, along with a helper, came on Monday just four hours before the blast, asking for more time to move the truck. The report revealed the driver hailed from Mansehra near Abbottabad in K-P.
Shehbaz was informed that the suspects involved in the blast have been identified and would be arrested soon. Sources refused to disclose the name and details discussed in the meeting for secrecy’s sake. The chief minister was told vehicles surrounding the truck limited the impact of the blast to a great extent.
Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz said necessary steps should be taken for the protection of lives and property. He also asked for effective implementation of a security plan. The CM directed officials to strictly monitor all entry and exit points of the province.
Suspects arrested for assaulting Tribune staffer
“Current circumstances require emergency measures as the enemy is trying to create instability in the country. Therefore, institutions and agencies concerned should discharge their duties with devotion and dedication,” he said.
Shehbaz said the incident on Outfall Road was indeed tragic and ordered a comprehensive investigation report at the earliest.
The CM also reprimanded officers concerned who were present in the meeting over the failure to move truck stands to places other than Sagian. Provincial ministers Rana Sanaullah, Ayub Ghadi, Jehangir Khanzada, MNA Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, additional chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), IGP and other officers concerned attended the meeting.
Nawaz-GT Road rally
Security arrangements for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s rally to Lahore were also discussed at length in the meeting. Shehbaz was informed that police and elite force would provide additional security cover. Basic security would be provided by the district police. It was said in the meeting that Nawaz would address public gatherings at 50 places.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2017.