Security of the federal capital beefed up

The capital’s security is on high-alert after a warning from intelligence agencies that terrorists might be planning of launching an attack in the capital during Eid days.

Intelligence reports claim that Benazir Bhutto International Airport, western embassies and other sensitive installations are the likely targets.

Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Sikandar Hayat on Tuesday also confirmed that the police received a warning from Intelligence agencies, however, he did not reveal any further information about the content of the warning letter.

Talking to the journalists after an Iftar, the IGP said that security threats were received few days ago after which security had been put on high alert. He said that Eid shopping activities are also at its peak and high security would be maintained until Eid.

Owing to the growing security threats in the federal capital, fool proof security arrangements have been made in railway stations, jails and public places. Railways administration and police have tightened security of Rawalpindi and Chaklala railway stations following the bomb blast in Shalimar Express.

Police commandos have been deployed at the two railways stations along with one ASI permanently deployed in each train for security purpose.

Speaking about the security arrangements, Superintendent (SP) Railways Waris Kamal said that entry to the station will now be through walk-through gates, while CCTV cameras have also been installed for vigilance.

He informed that security officials in plain clothes will be present at the stations round the clock for effective monitoring including bomb disposal squad.

BAN ON LOADER VEHICLES: Islamabad district administration on Tuesday banned the entry of loader vehicles due to threats of terrorist attacks on Eid ul Fitr.

Talking to media, SSP Operations Dr Rizwan said that decision to prohibit loader vehicles was taken in accordance with the intelligence reports regarding terrorist plans to target Islamabad.

The SSP said, “No vehicles loaded with any kind of material would be allowed to enter the federal capital till Eid holidays and violators will be dealt with strictly.”

He also urged the citizens to cooperate with the authorities and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) personnel to ensure security of public lives and properties.

SECURITY TIGHTENED: In the backdrop of terror threats to the Central Jail Adiala, 27 more Rangers have been deployed to guard the jail.

According to sources, the Rangers will be positioned outside the Adiala Jail.

Meanwhile, Additional Secretary Interior and IG Jails Punjab visited the jail and reviewed the security arrangements.

It should be mentioned that after the attack on D.I. Khan Jail, security of all jails across the country has been tightened.

JAIL WARDEN ARRESTED: A warden of Adiala Jail has been arrested for trying to smuggle three mobile phones and chargers into the jail.

According to reports, warden Sikander Hayat tried to enter Adiala Jail outside of his duty hours. The on-duty security staff, during routine body-search and recovered three mobile phones and chargers tied to his thighs and arrested him.

Later, the jail administration handed over the warden to Saddar Police Station, where a case was registered against him.

The jail administration informed that the warden was recently transferred to Adiala Jail from Mandi Bahauddin. Investigations are underway to find out for whom the phone was being smuggled.

VACATIONS OF OFFICIALS CANCELLED: Rawalpindi police cancelled vacations of all traffic wardens and inspectors due to Eid-ul-Fitr.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Ishtiaq Hussain has ordered the wardens to remain on active duty till the closure of markets on the eve of Eid to regulate traffic.

The CTO said, “Vacations have been cancelled to ensure smooth flow of traffic, especially on main city roads and busy commercial areas to facilitate the citizens.” He directed the inspectors and traffic wardens to perform their duties with dedication.

BOOTLEGGERS APPRHENDED: Police on Tuesday arrested 12 persons during various raids and recovered huge quantities of wine, weapons and stolen items from them.

According to details, Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Muhammad Rizwan directed police officials to launch a crackdown on bootleggers and said that those involved in such activities will not be spared.

ASIs Mian Imran and Khurram Shehzad from Aabpara Police Station arrested two bootleggers Haroon Masih, Naveed Masih and recovered 145 wine bottles from their possession, whereas ASI Muhammad Anwar from Margallah Police Station arrested Ali Sher for robbery.

Sub-Inspector Abdul Sattar from Tarnol Police Station recovered one 9mm pistol and one Kalashnikov along with ammunition from Mohsin Khan and Muhammad Liaqat respectively.

Sub-Inspector Muhammad Afzal from Ramna Police Station arrested Arif involved in selling petroleum products illegally. Crime Investigation Police (CIA) ASI Muhammad Tasneem arrested Javed Adnan and recovered a 30 bore pistol from him.

ASI Imtiaz Hussain from Industrial Area Police Station arrested Ghulam Murtaza and Bobby for carrying two 9mm pistols and 65 bullets. ASI Zafar Iqbal from Loi Bher Police Station arrested Ashraf and Nadeem for possession of stolen items. Sub-Inspector Abdul-Waheed from Sihala Police Station arrested Noor Hussain and recovered stolen property worth Rs.1,50,000 from him.

Separate cases have been registered against those arrested and further investigation is underway.

SSP Muhammad Rizwan appreciated the performance of the police officials and has instructed them to take strict action against drug pushers and bootleggers.

VEHICLES IMPOUNDED: Police impounded 123 bikes and 21 vehicles and removed black tinted papers from 29 vehicles during general holdup.

SSP Islamabad directed police officials to take strict action against unregistered vehicles, vehicles being driven without documents and professional beggars.

Police also conducted search operations in various areas of the city police and arrested 102 suspects.