Charsadda aftermath: Capital’s security tightened

ISLAMABAD:

In the wake of the suicide attacks in Shabqadar in Charsada, additional contingents of police were deployed at sensitive locations across the city. Secuirty of the offices of police, Frontier Constabulary (FC), Rangers, sensitive agencies and other government installations were enhanced.

Police personnel, equipped with sophisticated weapons have been deputed outside police stations. Extra deployment of police personnel has been ensured at important locations of the city including major intersections.

However, bumper to bumper traffic at several police check points raised new security concerns for commuters.

Police officers ordered combing and special search operations in the slums areas of the city. Bus stands and public places were under continuous monitoring by police patrols, said a police spokesperson.

Police commandoes were deputed around sensitive locations and important buildings while special police teams have been constituted by each police station for enhanced patrolling in their respective areas.

DIG (Operations) Bani Amin has issued special directions to all senior police officials to conduct checking themselves at all police pickets in their areas and make the security system more effective.  He has also directed for effective coordination among all wings of Islamabad Police including Operational Police, Crime Investigation Department, Security Division and Special Branch.

Sniffer dogs have been deployed at police pickets on entry and exit points of the city for checking of vehicles. A special search of the forest and green belts of the city has been also ordered.

Beat officers have been also directed to remain alert while Falcon and Eagle Squads have been assigned the task of patrolling the city.

The DIG appealed to all citizens to remain extra vigilant and inform the police if they observe any suspicious activity.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2011.