Armed forces have beefed up security of operational and residential bases after three attacks on Pakistan Navy (PN) personnel carriers in the city to thwart possible terrorist attacks, it is reliably learnt.
Well-placed sources told Pakistan Today, the warnings of possible terrorist attacks were issued for Karachi in last quarter of 2009 after attack on General Headquarter (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. In the wake of uncertain law and order situation, the regional headquarters of the PN, Pakistan Army (PA), and the Pakistan Air Force have prepared a well-developed security system in the city, but it could be challenged like at Islamabad and Rawalpindi in 2009.
Pakistan Today conducted a brief visit of all operational and residential bases of armed forces in the city, which revealed that security at all these locations was beefed-up. The regional headquarters of the armed forces enhanced the number of security men outside the entry and exit points, constructed boundary walls, installed security instruments and established the reception counters outside the operational and residential areas, but they are facing difficulties to cover some areas due to location problems.
They have also developed a complete monitoring system by installing surveillance cameras inside and outside their offices and residence. Most of the Pakistan Navy installations are situated in the middle of the city and open from all corners due to which the force could not cover the whole area. The operational and residential areas like Naval Provost Headquarter, Naval Officers Residential Estate, Naval Police Headquarters and Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Complex are located in the busiest shopping centre (Saddar), which is causing difficulties in ensuring stringent security arrangements.
To overcome the issue, the naval force constructed long boundary walls around the operational and residential zones and closed different gates and utilizing one gate for entrance into the premises. They also constructed cemented blocks at the entrance and tighten the security. Special entry cards have been issued to the residents for entry while parking of private vehicles has been declared strictly prohibited.
The Pakistan Air Force has made special security arrangements inside and outside the PAF Base Faisal, an operational zone by establishing check post, constructing road blockers and a long boundary wall, but it fails to ensure equal arrangements in its residential estate. All the gates leading to the officers’ residence have been closed and a single entry and exit point is established near Fazaia Degree College.
The main gate of the college have also been closed and the students and teachers are directed to use main entrance for ensure safety of life. Although, there was no permanent resistance at the entrance of the main entrance and only few road hurdles are installed for resisting the criminal elements. PAF had constructed flyover for entry and exit of vehicle in PAF base at Sharae Faisal.
