Hazara braces for tourist influx

DIG directs to develop security, traffic plans

ABBOTABAD:

With the federal government announcing to lift restrictions on the movement of tourists, police in the Hazara region on Friday had said that they have devised a plan to not only provide them with security but to also the rush of traffic.

Hazara Deputy Inspector General Qazi Jamilur Rehman on Friday said that they deem great importance to tourism in the region.

He subsequently directed all DPOs to remain vigilant and to strictly enforce safety measures to protect tourists visiting destinations within their respective jurisdictions.

He asked to develop dedicated security and traffic plan for each district so that tourists are provided with transport facilities and security to avoid any untoward incident.

Hazara to deploy 6,000 cops to ensure tourist ban

He further directed to deploy officers in plain clothes at all important spots and keep a close eye on suspected criminals.

"Traffic police and police personnel on duty should treat tourists with good manners and politeness," DIG Rehman said, adding that if they receive any complaint about rudeness, the officer involved will be dealt with strictly.

DIG Hazara further directed all DPOs to establish support centres at all tourist places within their respective districts and deploy well-mannered and gentle staff. He further directed police officers to guide visitors in every way possible apart from resolving their problems on priority.

In this regard, he said that the number of police personnel deployed in major tourist destinations should be increased.

Heads of traffic police in each district were asked to formulate traffic plans which ensure a smooth flow of traffic so that no one gets stuck in a traffic jam.

The government has given permission to reopen hotels and restaurants, but all precautions should be taken and implemented, the Hazra DIG said, while urging tourists to cooperate with the police and to refrain from any illegal or immoral activities.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2020.