Qissa Khwani: Extra BDUs at police stations, sniffer dogs sought: IGP

Durrani was visiting the blast site where 42 people were killed on Sunday.

PESHAWAR: The government has been asked to provide a second bomb disposal unit (BDU) at the police station level, said IGP Nasir Durrani at the blast site in Qissa Khwani Bazaar on Monday. Police and traders will jointly chalk out a security plan for the market within two days, explained Durrani.

In addition to the BDU, the police have also asked for a sufficient number of sniffing dogs to detect explosives, he added.



It is not possible for the police to keep tabs on each individual entering and exiting the bazaar but a security plan was being worked on for crowded marketplaces. This would also be a combined effort to avoid creating difficulties for both the traders and police, shared the IGP.

Though the police are short on resources and have many problems, “We are trying our best to fulfil our responsibilities.”

“We received threats for certain areas and are trying to provide security to ward off possible attacks.”

“Traders should provide parking lots; this would solve many issues as parked cars in the market provide an open opportunity to terrorists,” said Durrani.

IGP Nasir Durrani’s visit came a day after the attack in Qissa Khwani bazaar killed 42 and injured scores of people in the bustling market.

A stolen car packed with 200 kilogrammes of explosives was detonated near Qissa Khwani Bazaar on Sunday morning.

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