Pre-emptive measures: Rangers, police enhance security in sensitive areas

At least 26 suspects detained.

The police and rangers have enhanced security measures to pre-empt any untoward incident during Muharram. Search operations will be conducted in all sensitive areas of the city to ensure foolproof security during Muharram and to keep an eye on the suspected elements, a press release issued by the police on Sunday said.

The capital police and Rangers personnel in a joint search operation in Noon, Sabzi Mandi and adjacent areas detained 26 suspects, and seized weapons and narcotics from their possession.

The security personnel screened houses, workshops, markets, under-construction buildings and residential areas including “Afghan habitats” and slums.

The detained suspects are being further investigated.

During the search operation, two motorbikes, one 7mm gun, four 12-bore guns, one sub machinegun, eight pistols of different bores, 573 bullets, two magazines, and 458 grams of narcotics were recovered from their possession.

Issues concerning profiling and discrimination towards Afghan refugees have been raised in the past in such operations.

Repeated attempts were made to contact SSP Sajid Kiani by The Express Tribune to  ask what measures were being taken to avoid discrimination, profiling of Afghan refugees in particular and any ill-treatment of locals in general during the operations, but he was not available.

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