Security agencies saved Islamabad from a catastrophe by apprehending 13 terrorists who had entered into the capital intending for a bloodbath, Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Tariq Masood Yasin revealed on Thursday.
Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, the IG Islamabad said 13 terrorists carrying arms and ammunition in their backpacks entered into the capital in the first week of June with intent to target a university and a hotel.
An intelligence agency, after intercepting a phone call, informed other security agencies about terrorists’ presence in the capital and their ulterior motives, he told. “The same day the Safe City Project was to be inaugurated.”
After being tipped of the imminent threat, the law enforcers closely watched out for any suspected activity through security cameras installed under the Safe City Project, Yasin told legislators.
Vehicles were checked and police pickets being continuously guided from the control room as to which car needs to be inspected thoroughly, the official briefed. The capital police worked for 72 hours and hence saved the city.
He said keeping in view the extent of the threat, the cost of the Safe City Project seems not much.
Asked about any arrests made, the IG said let this be under covers. Acknowledging the effectiveness of Safe City Project, he said the project should be extended to other cities as well.
