Security threats: Haripur jail prisoners banned from meeting relatives
Ban enacted in light of possible security concerns, may last for an indefinite period.
Inmates: 2,000 prisoners, including inmates on death row, are housed in the prison. PHOTO: FILE
HARIPUR:
Haripur Central Prison authorities on Thursday placed a ban on inmates of all categories from meeting their relatives. The order, which was passed with the permission of IG Prisons, is to remain in effect for an indefinite period, said people familiar with the matter.
Security around the jail was heightened during the last week of July amid threats of terrorist attacks along the lines of the Bannu and DI Khan jailbreaks.
On July 29, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants attacked the DI Khan Central Prison and freed nearly 250 prisoners, including more than 40 high-profile militants. Following the incident, senior law enforcement officials visited the Haripur jail and termed the security arrangements insufficient. To avoid a terrorist attack, military corps, commandoes of elite force, Frontier Constabulary officials and police personnel were deployed as reinforcements both inside and outside the facility.
The road leading to the jail was barricaded, with extra security on all entrance and exit points. The jail administration also dug trenches inside and outside the building as a precautionary measure.
The extra security created mobility problems for residents as the jail is located in a densely populated area of the city, with a link road passing in front of the prison. Residents have also been subjected to increased security checks.
Despite these measures, jail sources informed the prison administration was once again receiving threats from militants. As a result, they decided to impose the ban for an indefinite period.
Haripur Jail Superintendent Masudur Rahman confirmed the report to The Express Tribune, but did not mention how long the policy would be in effect. He said the security situation was being discussed on a daily basis, and the decision had been taken in light of security threats. “It can be lifted in a couple of days, or remain in effect for a while,” he added.
Rahman said the ban and extra security precautions were for the safety of inmates and staff. “People in the surrounding localities must extend their support to the jail and police authorities, because it is also for their security.”
Rahman maintained shifting high-profile prisoners to other jails was the prerogative of the home department or provincial government.
Haripur Central Jail is among three of the province’s largest prisons. The facility is reportedly hosting prisoners detained on charges of involvement in terrorist activities and links with banned outfits.
According to official sources, over 2,000 prisoners, including inmates on death row, women and juveniles, are housed in the prison.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 16th, 2013.
Haripur Central Prison authorities on Thursday placed a ban on inmates of all categories from meeting their relatives. The order, which was passed with the permission of IG Prisons, is to remain in effect for an indefinite period, said people familiar with the matter.
Security around the jail was heightened during the last week of July amid threats of terrorist attacks along the lines of the Bannu and DI Khan jailbreaks.
On July 29, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants attacked the DI Khan Central Prison and freed nearly 250 prisoners, including more than 40 high-profile militants. Following the incident, senior law enforcement officials visited the Haripur jail and termed the security arrangements insufficient. To avoid a terrorist attack, military corps, commandoes of elite force, Frontier Constabulary officials and police personnel were deployed as reinforcements both inside and outside the facility.
The road leading to the jail was barricaded, with extra security on all entrance and exit points. The jail administration also dug trenches inside and outside the building as a precautionary measure.
The extra security created mobility problems for residents as the jail is located in a densely populated area of the city, with a link road passing in front of the prison. Residents have also been subjected to increased security checks.
Despite these measures, jail sources informed the prison administration was once again receiving threats from militants. As a result, they decided to impose the ban for an indefinite period.
Haripur Jail Superintendent Masudur Rahman confirmed the report to The Express Tribune, but did not mention how long the policy would be in effect. He said the security situation was being discussed on a daily basis, and the decision had been taken in light of security threats. “It can be lifted in a couple of days, or remain in effect for a while,” he added.
Rahman said the ban and extra security precautions were for the safety of inmates and staff. “People in the surrounding localities must extend their support to the jail and police authorities, because it is also for their security.”
Rahman maintained shifting high-profile prisoners to other jails was the prerogative of the home department or provincial government.
Haripur Central Jail is among three of the province’s largest prisons. The facility is reportedly hosting prisoners detained on charges of involvement in terrorist activities and links with banned outfits.
According to official sources, over 2,000 prisoners, including inmates on death row, women and juveniles, are housed in the prison.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 16th, 2013.