Security mainly deployed in Aabpara leaving ICT under-protected

In the absence of police at key points there is no check of anti-social elements in the wake of security threats

ISLAMABAD: A number of key checkpoints, on Friday morning, inside the capital city remain unprotected by law enforcers, as they have been deployed at Aabpara and surrounding areas where participants of the ‘Azadi’ march had reached last night.

In the absence of police personnel at key points and important entrances, there has been no check and balance of anti-social elements in the wake of security threats.

Following the arrival of rallies from different parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Punjab, the district administration appeared confused as they were uncertain whether to protect the thoroughfares or guard the Red Zone area in the morning.

Another problem they faced was that of keeping an eye on the movement of the participants as they stormed the city in search of food and water.

A senior police official told The Express Tribune that Rs16 million had been allocated to fulfill the basic needs of the Punjab and Islamabad police that have been deployed in the city for the last four days.

An early morning visit of Zero Point and the Kashmir Highway revealed that the participants were anxiously waiting for the arrival of the main rallies and the leadership.