Security at British High Commission increased as backlash feared

KARACHI:

The security of the British High Commission has been increased as the entire Sharae Iran area, where the mission is located, has been cordoned off, even for residents.

Only the vehicles of the law enforcement agencies can be seen patrolling the area as all the lanes leading up to, and adjacent to, the high commission have been blocked by containers and vehicles as even pedestrians are not being allowed to enter.

Traffic was being diverted from Park Towers and from the Do Talwaar roundabout. However, traffic police were not present to inform commuters about the diversions or direct traffic onto alternative routes. "No one is being allowed to enter, even those who live in the area," complained a resident, as he parked his vehicle at the Do Talwaar roundabout in order to find a way home. He felt that the police should provide alternative routes and that the residents of the area should be allowed in.

The Rangers spokesperson, while talking to The Express Tribune, confirmed that law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the entire area, adding that the Rangers’ anti-terrorist squad has been deployed to avert any untoward incident. "These are just precautionary measures due to the vulnerable condition of city," he said.

Clifton SP Abadit Nisar said that the decision was taken by senior police officials in order to avoid any untoward incidents following the news of MQM chief Altaf Hussain's arrest in London. "We have deployed 200 police personnel around the vicinity, while a large number of Rangers personnel are also deployed to maintain law and order," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2014.