KARACHI, May 10: An emergency-like situation prevails in Karachi as strict security measures have been taken around all important government and private buildings in addition to unannounced checking of motorcyclists after the bomb blast in the city on Wednesday.

A visit to places where security has been tightened showed visible lapses in security. Security personnel deployed at entry and exit points in buildings were seen conducting “strict” checking of visitors’ bags but allowing shoe-shine boys, etc. carrying bags and shoppers without any checking.

Although a car was used in blowing up the navy bus, traffic and police personnel were seen checking motorcyclists.

“Checking is not a problem, and we are ready for it but law-enforcing personnel perhaps want something more than this,” a motorcyclists who had just undergone checking told this reporter.

Another motorcyclist complained that the traffic police had stopped him many times since Wednesday, though he had not violated any traffic rule.

Police and paramilitary men and personnel from other law-enforcing agencies were seen patrolling busy areas of the city. Besides, they have been deployed in foreign missions and all five-star hotels, where foreign nationals are staying.

Police conducted snap checking at the Old exhibition, Airport, Gulshan-i- Iqbal, Liaquatabad, Federal B-Area, Azizabad, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Defence, Clifton, Mauripur checkpost, around well-known fast food restaurants, busy markets and shopping centres.

Security has been beefed up at important buildings. Some such buildings are the Civic Centre, office of the city government, Sindh Secretariat, offices of newspapers, Habib Bank Plaza and hotels.—PPI