Police under attack: Security tightened amid target killing

DI Khan DPO says several arrests have been made.

D I KHAN: DI Khan Deputy Commissioner Nisar Ahmad Khan Mohmand has imposed Section 144 on pillion riding on Friday following targeted attacks on the police. However, women, children and journalists have been exempted from the rule.

Over the past week, police officials have repeatedly come under attack. A day earlier, Khizer Abbas, was killed in broad daylight, while a passer-by was injured. On September 7, Zeeshan Haider, another police constable and his friend Nazakat Hussain were killed in Lala Zar Colony. Meanwhile, on September 6, Shah Jahan, a police constable, was shot dead near Eidgah. Cases were registered against unidentified assailants in the police stations concerned of DI Khan.

DPO DI Khan Sadiq Hussain told the media that a new wave of militancy has gripped the region. According to initial information, the Umar Khattab group is suspected of orchestrating these attacks to spread panic in the area and create sectarian strife.

“We have already started a crackdown against facilitators and the suspects themselves,” he said. “Several people have been arrested and will be sent to jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order. CCTV footage of Shah Jahan was also sent to Islamabad.”

DI Khan police are continuing their campaign against terrorist elements.

Hussain told the media that permanent police check posts are to be set up in Lala Zar and Madina colonies as well as Chah Syed Munawar. There also established check posts at 38 other places, while police riders will increase their patrolling. He added that these security arrangements will continue till the month of Muharram.

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