Suicide attack threat prompts police to beef up security

Security of Parliament House has also been tightened as additional FC personnel have been deployed at the outer gate

ISLAMABAD:

Security has been put on high alert in the wake of a possible terrorist attack in Islamabad, with law enforcement agencies issuing a picture of the would-be suicide bomber who might target the capital city.

According to sources, police have been informed by intelligence agencies that a terrorist named Zakir Khan, hailing from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa might try to enter Islamabad for terrorist activity. They said that law enforcement agencies have alerted the police in the capital. Authorities have put in place strict security measures and a red alert has been issued for the capital.

The security of the Parliament House has also been tightened as additional FC personnel have been deployed at the outer gate. The entry of unrelated persons has also been banned.

Sources revealed that gate one of the Parliament House has been made accessible. The meetings of standing committees have been postponed whereas only parliamentarians, employees and registered journalists are allowed to enter the Parliament House.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad police are conducting snap checks in different areas of the city, causing problems to the citizens.

Citizens have been advised to leave 15 to 20 minutes early to go to offices or business places due to tight security measures in view of the terror threat.

The police have appealed to the citizens to cooperate with the officials during checking and report any unusual activity immediately.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad deputy commissioner has imposed a ban on pillion riding across the district under Section 144. The ban will be applicable from December 31 evening to January 1.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2022.