On alert: LEAs told to enhance security for foreigners

Govt issues directives for safety of diplomats, foreign aid workers

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has issued fresh directives to law-enforcement officials to enhance security for foreigners, their residences and workplaces in the province.

According to insiders familiar with the matter, foreign nationals are already being given security but the government has directed law-enforcement to increase it.

The directives were issued following the Ministry for Interior’s instructions to provinces to provide maximum security to foreigners visiting their areas, an official said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak on the matter.

He added clear directives have been issued to enhance security at US, Iranian and Afghan consulates in the provincial capital, for diplomats as well as for officials of international aid agencies visiting the city.

Another source shared the police department has been told to ensure the safety of foreigners working on various projects in the province. However, he added, “We do not have foreigners working on projects in Peshawar.”

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a senior policeman confirmed, “We have received directions to increase security for foreign nationals.”

He said proper security is already being provided to diplomats and foreign workers, while as far as their offices and residences are concerned, they are usually heavily guarded and roads leading up to them are usually closed off to the public.

The government has already directed international NGOs to obtain NOCs before visiting K-P. Restrictions have also been imposed on their visiting some parts of the province.

The home department could not be reached for a comment despite several attempts.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2015.