'Security alert': Do Darya diners pose biggest security threat, it seems
Police have been directed to stop and check each vehicle heading towards the food street.
Boat Basin and Darakshan police carry out snap-checking at a checkpost leading to Do Darya on Saturday night. PHOTO: EXPRESS
KARACHI:
The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) administration has sought assistance from the Clifton Police to 'provide security' to citizens wishing to dine at the restaurants at DHA Phase VIII — Do Darya.
The personnel, deployed with different police stations under the Clifton division, have been stationed at the two key routes leading towards the restaurants at Do Dariya — the Village Restaurant side and the Golf Club side. The police officials have been directed to stop and check each and every vehicle heading towards the restaurants, especially during the evening hours.
Interestingly, the personnel have no clue as to what they are meant to be looking for as they search the cars. "We are just obeying the orders of the high-ranking officials," he smiled. "I wish I knew about the nature of the threats being received so we can perform our duty better instead of intercepting each and every vehicle," he added.
The stringent 'security measures' have irked many frequent visitors to the restaurants, compelling them to choose alternative eating places. "We live in Karachi and the whole city is under threat. With the kind of snap-checking being conducted here, it would seem that these restaurants are a prime target," remarked businessman, Ayaz Ahmed, who had turned away before the personnel could search his car. "This is nothing short of harassment. I do not think I want to visit the restaurants anymore."
The food street at DHA Phase VIII, popularly known as Do Darya, houses approximately 18 restaurants. The owners of the establishments had previously obtained a stay order from the Sindh High Court against the DHA administration's demands to vacate the land. The SHC had also appointed a Nazir who was to visit the area and inspect it for any barricades that had been allegedly set up to stop people from reaching the restaurants.
"This act on the part of the DHA amounts to contempt of court," claimed Ghulam Sajjad Dayo, the owner of Sajjad Restaurant. "We already have a stay order but the DHA always comes up with new ways to harass our customers which is really bad for business." He alleged that the DHA realised it could not engage with the restaurants' owners directly after the SHC's order, thus it had moved to newer tactics by involving the police.
For his part, the SHO of the relevant police station too seemed utterly helpless. "I do not have any vested interests here," said Darakshan SHO Zawwar Hussain. "We are simply following the orders of the high-ranking officials."
Despite repeated attempts to contact him, the DHA spokesperson was not available for comments.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 10th, 2014.
The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) administration has sought assistance from the Clifton Police to 'provide security' to citizens wishing to dine at the restaurants at DHA Phase VIII — Do Darya.
The personnel, deployed with different police stations under the Clifton division, have been stationed at the two key routes leading towards the restaurants at Do Dariya — the Village Restaurant side and the Golf Club side. The police officials have been directed to stop and check each and every vehicle heading towards the restaurants, especially during the evening hours.
Interestingly, the personnel have no clue as to what they are meant to be looking for as they search the cars. "We are just obeying the orders of the high-ranking officials," he smiled. "I wish I knew about the nature of the threats being received so we can perform our duty better instead of intercepting each and every vehicle," he added.
The stringent 'security measures' have irked many frequent visitors to the restaurants, compelling them to choose alternative eating places. "We live in Karachi and the whole city is under threat. With the kind of snap-checking being conducted here, it would seem that these restaurants are a prime target," remarked businessman, Ayaz Ahmed, who had turned away before the personnel could search his car. "This is nothing short of harassment. I do not think I want to visit the restaurants anymore."
The food street at DHA Phase VIII, popularly known as Do Darya, houses approximately 18 restaurants. The owners of the establishments had previously obtained a stay order from the Sindh High Court against the DHA administration's demands to vacate the land. The SHC had also appointed a Nazir who was to visit the area and inspect it for any barricades that had been allegedly set up to stop people from reaching the restaurants.
"This act on the part of the DHA amounts to contempt of court," claimed Ghulam Sajjad Dayo, the owner of Sajjad Restaurant. "We already have a stay order but the DHA always comes up with new ways to harass our customers which is really bad for business." He alleged that the DHA realised it could not engage with the restaurants' owners directly after the SHC's order, thus it had moved to newer tactics by involving the police.
For his part, the SHO of the relevant police station too seemed utterly helpless. "I do not have any vested interests here," said Darakshan SHO Zawwar Hussain. "We are simply following the orders of the high-ranking officials."
Despite repeated attempts to contact him, the DHA spokesperson was not available for comments.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 10th, 2014.