Security threat: Police impound 2,700 motorbikes

Around 50 per cent motorcyclists also fined for not having licences.

ISLAMABAD: Terming a security threat, the Islamabad Traffic Police have impounded over 2,700 motorcycles of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers who have come to the capital from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to participate in the party’s ‘Azadi March’.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Asmatullah Junejo said that 50 per cent of the motorcyclists were also fined for not having licences.

He told The Express Tribune, that majority of the motorcyclists were also involved in traffic rules violation.

“When they were asked to show licences, it turned out that majority of them had unregistered motorbikes,” he said.

“They have been issued tickets to deposit fines, which is estimated to be around Rs405,000,” he said.

Junejo said that the unregistered motorbikes were a big security threat as they could be used in terrorist activities.

“Islamabad is already on high alert as there is a serious security threat and allowing these unregistered bikes into the protest sites will tantamount to helping terrorists,” he added.

“Anyone claiming to be a PTI supporter can use such unregistered bikes for a terrorist activity at the protest site.”

The official said that through a drive the ITP was conveying a message to all and sundry wanting to participate in the PTI sit-in to keep documents with themselves to avoid any kind of inconvenience.

“We want all the people coming on vehicles or motorcycles to the sit-in area to have driving licences and other necessary documents with them,” he said.

ITP ambulances

The SSP said that the ITP in collaboration with the government has engaged two ambulances to provide first aid to police personnel, Rangers and army performing security duties at the sit-ins site.

“So far over 1,500 security personnel have been provided first aid since the service was started,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2014.