KARACHI, July 7: Security was beefed up on Wednesday at the Saudi Consulate in Karachi following the bomb threats received at the Saudi embassy in Islamabad.
Sources said that the Saudi embassy in Islamabad received threats about a car bomb attack on its Karachi's consulate.
The embassy had communicated about the threat call to the provincial authorities. Police were directed to provide fool-proof security to the Saudi Consulate here in Karachi.
Following the orders, the police initially parked water tankers around the Saudi Consulate and later replaced them with large containers, sources added. A visit to the spot showed that one side of the two-way roads - Khayaban-i-Shamsheer and Gizri Boulevard - were closed for vehicular traffic.
Due to the closure, vehicles on the adjoining roads were moving at snail's pace, particularly during peak hours. A heavy deployment of police was also made around the consulate to meet any eventuality.
Talking to Dawn, Clifton Town Police Officer Munir Shaikh said, "We have received orders from high ups to strengthen the security around the Saudi Consulate." The sources said that the Saudi Consulate had been sealed owing to which its working came to a standstill.
The officials of the Saudi Consulate were asked to return home, as they were not allowed to enter the consulate on Wednesday, said an official of the consulate on condition of anonymity.
Besides, the closure of roads around the US Consulate and British Deputy High Commission persisted throughout the day due to which commuters had to face severe hardships. The police deployment was also increased at other foreign missions following the security threats received in Islamabad.
Police officials said that road closures were being carried out with intervals. It was part of the enhanced security measures taken for safeguarding the consulates and foreign missions in the city. The Fatima Jinnah Road too remained completely closed, as two bombs had exploded a couple of months back near the US Consul General's residence.
