Defence-ive measures: Check posts appear as barricades disappear

As elections draw closer, security at DHA’s entry and exit points has been tightened.

KARACHI: Defence Housing Authority (DHA) has decided to tighten security in all of the area’s entrance and exit points ahead of the general elections.

While talking to The Express Tribune, a DHA official said that though it is the responsibility of law enforcers to provide security to the area’s residents, the authority has taken extra measures to ensure peace in the neighbourhood. “We have enhanced patrolling and established check posts in all sensitive areas, especially phase VIII, where a large number of schools and offices are located.”

He said that there are 59 main entry and exit points and DHA has installed check posts at most sensitive spots. Other places are being monitored via CCTV cameras which are connected to the command and control system at DHA’s head office as well as the offices of law enforcement agencies.



DHA has removed all barricades which were allegedly set up by influential people living in the area and some arms have also been seized, said the official, adding that only those permitted by the DHA and government can set up barricades.

A total of 120 cameras have been installed at all entry and exit points and 260 more will be set up in the area soon. The official said DHA has also enhanced the mobile patrolling in order to curb street crimes, especially at night. DHA security has been authorised to stop and check suspicious vehicles, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2013.