October 8, 2001	Monday	Rajab 20, 1422

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LAHORE, Oct 7: Law enforcing agencies late on Sunday night took strict security precautions in the Punjab in view of any public reaction to US air strikes on Afghanistan.

“We called emergency meetings soon after the news broke,” Lahore SSP Aftab Cheema told Dawn on Sunday night, saying that similar meetings were also held in the rest of the Punjab.

Mr Cheema said that security for foreign nationals, especially Americans, foreign missions, installations and their businesses was beefed up.

The SSP said that pickets had been set up at all seven entry and exit points of Lahore to keep a vigil on anti-state elements.

“Nobody will be allowed to take law into his own hand,” he replied when asked about possible public gatherings in response to the US attacks. He said that the police force had been put on a red alert to deal with any untoward situation.

There were reports of arrests of some leaders and activists of Jihadi organizations in the city but the SSP denied arrests saying: “We don’t need to arrest them but we are ready to meet any eventuality.”

On the other hand, the Bomb Disposal Squad, fire fighters, civil defence, intelligence agencies and other civic agencies too were also put on a red alert with instructions to be ready to meet any eventuality.

Meanwhile, many religious and political parties on Sunday night condemned the American airstrikes on Afghanistan.

Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Pakistan President Prof Sajid Mir termed the attacks a terrorism and said this was a rehearsal of the major offensive. He said the attack had been launched by the champion of human rights, targeting civilian population in Afghanistan.

He said the entire Pakistani nation was with the Taliban, urging it to get united for jihad against America.

Awami National Party Senior Vice-president Ehsan Wyne said war did not provide any solution to any problem in the world. It would lead to the killing of innocent people which was regrettable, he said, adding that the dispute with the Taliban should have been resolved through negotiations.

Central Information Secretary of Gen Aslam Beg’s Awami Qiadat Party, Muhammad Mehdi, said the attack was an unfortunate step, fearing disturbance also in Pakistan. He said the only way to iron out differences with the Taliban was negotiations.

Khaksar Tehrik chief Hamiduddin Al-Mashraqui appealed to the whole nation to get ready for the holy war. He said the US strikes had signalled the commencement of the third world war. He said the whole Muslim world should get united to the face the anti-Islam forces.