KARACHI, April 23: Heavy contingent of police was deployed along the beach on Sunday after police were provided what they described “credible information” suggesting that a bomb blast could take place somewhere at the long stretch of the beach front.
A senior police official requesting anonymity told Dawn that a meeting of CCPO, DIG Operations, and respective TPOs having jurisdictions over the sea front was held on Saturday during which they were apprised about the threat.
The meeting was informed that threat may persist for a month or so, the police official added.
Subsequently, on emergency basis police have installed CCTV’s at key points especially where large crowds converge at the beach.
Police imposed a ban on parking along the sea front starting from Village Restaurant till Bilawal Chowrangi. Horse mounted policemen are patrolling the beach.
However, the hurriedly adopted extra ordinary security measures came as a surprise to beach goers who were caught in a hassle.
Before taking such extra ordinary security steps, senior police officials held meetings with the stake holders such as shopkeepers and transporters.
Police saw the recently inaugurated Beach Park as a sensitive spot where such a terrorist activity could be carried out. Subsequently, the park administration has posted 70 security guards to check the suspicious persons.
Ambulances and fire brigades have also been put on stand by to meet any eventuality.
Police department have been provided with such credible information suggesting similar types of threats in the past as well and as the record shows such intelligence reports were found true.
A senior police officer of Clifton Town said, “In the backdrop of Nishtar Park tragedy, now we are taking these intelligence reports seriously.”
