Security bolstered in key prisons, high alert in twin cities
Army and Rangers personnel were called in to provide back-up for police in case of any emergency.
“Currently, Rawalpindi police are supervising Adiala Jail’s security and in case of any emergency, army and Rangers’ troops will be there to help them,” said police spokesperson Inspector Raja Fiaz. PHOTO: EXPRESS
RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD:
Security has been tightened at four major prisons in the populous Punjab province and a high alert has been sounded in the Islamabad Capital Territory and the Potohar region, a senior police officer in Rawalpindi said on Sunday.
The police official also said that Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel were called in to provide back-up for police in case of any emergency. “Currently, Rawalpindi police are supervising Adiala Jail’s security and in case of any emergency, army and Rangers’ troops will be there to help them,” said police spokesperson Inspector Raja Fiaz. Adiala is among the four prisons where security has been beefed up. The other prisons are located in Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum districts.
Two army companies and Rangers contingents, as well as the Quick Response Force (QRF) and elite force personnel, were deployed around sensitive installations in the twin cities as well.
Security was bolstered after Pakistan Air Force jets bombed the hideouts of militants in North Waziristan Agency in retaliation to the attack on Karachi’s airport last week.
Security drill
On Saturday night, Rangers, army and police contingents participated in a security drill. QRF contingents have also been posted at Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad. “QRF personnel will provide security to Pakistan International Airline hangers, engineering gate and lounge,” said the senior police officer.
He added that a total of 9,000 members of the police force have been placed on high alert around the district. “VIP movement consumes a large part of security of Islamabad and Rawalpindi as whenever there is VIP movement both cities remain on high alert and deploy a large number of police personnel on roads,” said a police officer.
At least 250 army personnel will patrol the area around the Margalla Hills as well. “Contingents of elite force, police commandos and army troops are jointly patrolling the Margalla Hills side. Besides, personnel of all police stations are continuously patrolling their areas,” said the Islamabad police’s spokesperson.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2014.
Security has been tightened at four major prisons in the populous Punjab province and a high alert has been sounded in the Islamabad Capital Territory and the Potohar region, a senior police officer in Rawalpindi said on Sunday.
The police official also said that Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel were called in to provide back-up for police in case of any emergency. “Currently, Rawalpindi police are supervising Adiala Jail’s security and in case of any emergency, army and Rangers’ troops will be there to help them,” said police spokesperson Inspector Raja Fiaz. Adiala is among the four prisons where security has been beefed up. The other prisons are located in Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum districts.
Two army companies and Rangers contingents, as well as the Quick Response Force (QRF) and elite force personnel, were deployed around sensitive installations in the twin cities as well.
Security was bolstered after Pakistan Air Force jets bombed the hideouts of militants in North Waziristan Agency in retaliation to the attack on Karachi’s airport last week.
Security drill
On Saturday night, Rangers, army and police contingents participated in a security drill. QRF contingents have also been posted at Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad. “QRF personnel will provide security to Pakistan International Airline hangers, engineering gate and lounge,” said the senior police officer.
He added that a total of 9,000 members of the police force have been placed on high alert around the district. “VIP movement consumes a large part of security of Islamabad and Rawalpindi as whenever there is VIP movement both cities remain on high alert and deploy a large number of police personnel on roads,” said a police officer.
At least 250 army personnel will patrol the area around the Margalla Hills as well. “Contingents of elite force, police commandos and army troops are jointly patrolling the Margalla Hills side. Besides, personnel of all police stations are continuously patrolling their areas,” said the Islamabad police’s spokesperson.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2014.