Security black hole

A n uneasy calm is prevailing all around. The security advisories from several foreign missions have literally unnerved the security situation of the federal capital. It is quite surprising that some of the major countries that usually have a lot of leg work to do in Islamabad, by virtue of their pro-activeness, have all of a sudden homed in a five-star hotel terming it an intended security black hole.

This aspect is in need of being studied closely by the authorities and the intelligence sleuths, in an attempt to dig out what made it to hit headlines. While the premises, supposed to be a hotbed of any future terrorist activity, is in the vicinity of the Red Zone, where key government installations and diplomatic missions are located, the alert has upped the ante.

One aspect worth pondering is why the US Embassy finger-pointed at a particular hospitality abode, and missions from the UK, Australia and even Saudi Arabia joined in issuing similar advisories to their respective citizens. In a daredevil attack in September 2008 at the same facility, more than 50 people were killed and the hotel was gutted.

This speaks of some high-profile intelligence feedback, and if so the same should have been shared discreetly with the authorities to plough out the suspect(s) in a tactical manner. This speaking through the media has compounded the situation, and the citizens of the twin cities are in fix. Pakistan these days is mired with serious security concerns, as terror outfits have bounced back. In a span of three months, reports say, the outlawed TTP has struck at more than 140 places — including the recent taxi-bombing in Islamabad — leaving scores dead and injured.

Moreover, the Afghan backlash is also evident as the southwestern country is once again slipping into anarchy. Last but not least, nine explosions in a day in Balochistan this week testify that something big is cooking somewhere to bleed Pakistanis. The situation necessitates extraordinary measures and not the mere closure of thoroughfares.