SOPs revised: Security at important buildings enhanced

ISLAMABAD:

The standard operating procedures (SOPs) concerning security arrangements for important buildings in the capital have been revised.

Security will be tightened around the Prime Minister’s secretariat, Prime Minister’s House, President’s House, Supreme Court building, premises of the Islamabad High Court and district courts, Diplomatic Enclave, Parliament Lodges and other important buildings.

Sources in the police on Thursday told daily Express that on the directives of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and chief commissioner have made extraordinary changes in the SOPs to ensure foolproof security for the senior government and foreign officials in the city.

Under the new guidelines all movements of senior officials will be kept confidential. Closed-circuit cameras and walkthrough gates have been made compulsory at all important buildings.

Interestingly, the capital police informed the interior ministry that the federal police had only six explosive detectors.

The police asked the ministry to provide it with the latest equipment.

Security around the Diplomatic Enclave has also been enhanced.

During the three days of Eid festivities the police in the capital will remain on red alert. Over 2000 police personnel will be deployed at 760 mosques, 21 Imambargahs and other places.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2015.