Securing transits: Bus, trucks terminals asked to issue clearance certificates for cargo

Stand owners, managers to be held responsible for mishaps.

PESHAWAR: Regional and district police offers have been asked by the home department and IGP to devise a comprehensive security plan to monitor all bus and truck stands in their jurisdiction.  According to the directive, each and every bit of cargo should be checked by stand managers before loading it into the vehicle.

Officials familiar with the matter told The Express Tribune the new security plan requires stand managers to issue a clearance certificate for the cargo. Police officials have been directed to ensure the procedure is adopted within their jurisdiction.

“It has been made necessary to construct boundary walls around (bus and truck) stands and terminals and to install CCTVs,” said an official.  Terminal and stand owners have also been directed to install one main gate to monitor access. “Terminal staff should have metal and explosive detectors to check both passengers and the cargo.”

DPOs were also asked to make an effective security plan to monitor passenger coaches on longer routes while keeping in mind local sensibilities.

If insufficient security measures result in any untoward incident or mishap, the Home and Tribal Affairs Department will hold the stand owners and managers responsible.

“All the commissioners, deputy commissioners and DPOs have been asked by the home department to send their reports on this matter by October 4,” said an official.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2013.