Rare but appreciated
Rawalpindi police must be appreciated for the efficiency with which it uncovered probably the largest heist in the history of Benazir Bhutto International Airport. Investigation has revealed, according to the press, that the recent abduction of a money changer arriving from Karachi – not to mention more than Rs70 million stolen from him – was carried out by a 10-member gang. And in addition to already arresting a sub-inspector (with a dubious background), the police is now on the hunt for two retired army officers – a colonel and major – with links to some ‘intelligence agency’.
Pakistanis are not used to the police moving so swiftly, which makes this case all the more important. It is learnt that authorities have also reached out to Interpol for arresting an accomplice of the group who is stationed in Dubai. No doubt a money changer travelling with Rs70m is better placed than the average citizen to get the security machinery working in time of need. But the swiftness was still impressive. Half the gang has been busted while the remaining few, including the former soldiers, have been placed on the exit control list as the circle tightens around them.
The incident should raise alarm bells in the highest places. Such a coordinated attack at such a busy airport betrays extensive planning and homework. And there is no telling how much of the serving airport staff might have been on board. If such concerns turn out to be true, airport security will have to be overhauled throughout the country. Already the threat level at such places is unusually high owing to the war against terrorism. Organised, high-level theft would, of course, present new problems that will divert attention away from the main operation. Therefore, it is important that the efficiency of the police, so far, is matched by the government and a thorough investigation is undertaken regarding security arrangements at airports across the country. The momentum built by the police must not be lost.
