Capital ramps up surveillance

In response to escalating security concerns along the Pakistan-Iran border, intelligence agencies have raised alarms over the potential targeting of protest camps set up by members of the Baloch community and law enforcement agencies, including the police and other institutions, in the federal capital.

According to sources, the intelligence agencies have issued an alert based on secret information and asked the Islamabad administration and police to ensure foolproof security arrangements in the wake of the security threats.

According to details, in the backdrop of the tense situation on the Pakistan-Iran border in Balochistan, the Islamabad deputy commissioner and SSP Operations have been informed through a letter that the protest staged by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) outside the Islamabad Press Club near the red zone of the federal capital has entered into the fourth week.

Meanwhile, another camp of Balochistan Shuhada Forum, under the leadership of former caretaker minister Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, has been going on for a week on the other side of the same press club. It added that Raisani, the head of Balochistan Shuhada Forum, is already under threat.

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“In such a situation, there are reports that anti-state elements, terrorist organisations, militant outfits active in Balochistan, and hostile intelligence agencies may try to target these Baloch community camps to create chaos in the country for nefarious purposes,” the letter read.

“Police and law enforcement officials posted on various duties can also be targeted by terrorist elements,” it warned.

Given the perilous security situation, the intelligence agencies suggested that foolproof safety measures should be ensured to avoid any untoward incident.

Informed sources told The Express Tribune that in the light of intelligence information, the security status of crucial government installations, including famous personalities and police officers, has been elevated to a high alert level in the federal capital.

Police on high alert

The Islamabad Capital Police remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring robust security measures and addressing any potential disruptions during protests organised by religious and political parties in the high-security zone, a police spokesperson said Friday.

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The force is actively involved in upholding law and order in the federal capital, safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens, the spokesperson said and added that officers and personnel were diligently executing their duties to guarantee effective security arrangements and promptly respond to any untoward incidents.

The spokesperson said senior police officials have communicated clear instructions to officers and staff on duty, emphasising the paramount importance of safeguarding all public and private offices, as well as embassies situated within the high-security zone.

“The Islamabad Capital Police is deploying all available resources to uphold law and order in the federal capital,” he said, urging the citizens to contact ‘Pucar-15’ or utilise the ‘ICT-15 App’ to report any suspicious individuals or activities.

“The protection of citizens’ lives and property remains a top priority for the Islamabad police,” the spokesperson added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2024.