Security tightened in twin cities after Lahore blast

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: With a deadly suicide blast ripping through a police van at the entrance of the famed Data Darbar shrine in Lahore, security has been enhanced in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Following the blast, which claimed 10 lives, the strength of the police squad guarding shrines in Bari Imam and Golra Sharif, were beefed up.

Security around key buildings such as the Supreme Court, High Court and other critical installations have also been enhanced.

Moreover, vehicles entering the federal capital were vigorously checked. Any unrelated entry in the red zone if the city has also been banned.

Operations-DIG Waqaruddin Syed directed all police officials to protect citizens from any emerging danger. He further directed to take strict action against beggars and alms-seekers. Any negligence in this regard, he warned, would not be tolerated.

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He added that the Falcon Force and police commandoes have been mobilized to guard sensitive buildings in the federal capital. He further directed all wings of the police to maintain close coordination and to share relevant information with the concerned officials.

Further, directions were given to all SPs zones and SDPOs to inspect duties in their respective areas.

Mosque visit

In Rawalpindi, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ahmed Ishaq Jehangir, paid surprise visits to different areas, including a mosque in the city and the cantonment areas.

The RPO inspected security condition during Taraveeh hours and directed the security staff to remain vigilant in their the purpose of the surprise visits.

He said the security of mosques and Imam Bargahs was being monitored by the high officials themselves.

No cameras at markets

Despite claims from the city’s administration that they will closely monitor the 16 ‘Sasta Bazaars’ set up to provide essential items at discounted prices, it has emerged that the markets are not fully covered by cameras, leaving them vulnerable.

As many as 46 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the bazaars were either never installed or are not functioning. It has raised serious concerns over the lax security arrangements made by the provincial government who had at one point termed the cameras ‘as fancy initiative’.

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An official of the district administration, who spoke to The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said that the government had directed to keep simplicity eminent in all the ‘Sasta bazaars’ by shirking the elaborate arrangements made in previous years where even air conditioners, carpets and generators were installed in different bazaars.

Sources added that the security of bazaars, which were frequented by thousands of people every day, was at risk. He added that the walkthrough gates installed at the entrance of each market and the four police personnel deployed were simply not enough to guarantee a safe and secure environment.

The previous government had installed cameras which enabled better monitoring of overall situation during rush hours at the bazaars. Further, the official said that field officers also face extreme difficulties owing to the absence of monitoring cameras. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2019.