July 10, 2008	Thursday	Rajab 6, 1429

ISLAMABAD, July 9: Security was beefed up in the twin cities on Wednesday when another red alert was sounded amid threats of suicide bombings in the federal capital.

Security cover in and around Islamabad’s courts was enhanced after a letter addressed to District and Sessions Judge Mirza Rafiuz Zaman warned of attacks on the complex, officials in the police and city administration told Dawn.

They said threats to blow up the courts with explosives and to conduct suicide attacks were issued in the letter, which asked the judge to close the courts immediately to avoid the huge damage as thousands of people, including judges, lawyers, complainants and accused came there daily.

Shortly after getting the information, senior officers of the police and district administration rushed to the courts located few metres from their offices.

Besides, the bomb disposal squad was also called in to comb the premises and adjacent areas, the officials said, adding that after a search operation, the area was declared safe.

Police personnel with modern surveillance equipment were deployed in and around the courts, while cement blocks and barbed wires were also laid around the courts to check any unwanted entry.

Authorities identified some specific points to enter the court premises, where law enforcers conducted random searches.

Officials said the law enforcers and administration were taking the threat seriously and utilising all available resources for security arrangements.

In this regard, a meeting has also been scheduled for Thursday morning between the judge and officials of the police and administration to discuss the matter and review the security.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad police have started strict checking at all exit and entry points and public places to ensure the protection of the life and property of citizens.

The steps were taken after receiving information that two explosives-laden vehicles and two suicide bombers had entered the city.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ahmad Latif directed all SHOs to conduct strict checking in their respective areas and remain extra vigilant. Besides, the city police and Rescue 15 have enhanced patrolling in Islamabad.

Police had also started checking of hotels, motels, restaurants, inns and bus stands, and keeping a strict vigil on suspicious vehicles and persons.

Similarly motor dealers and estate agents had also been directed that they should not rent out the property to unknown persons, and all the particulars of customers be maintained properly and forwarded to the concerned police stations for security purpose.

The SSP asked the traders and businessmen to hire the services of private security guards and streamline parking areas using their own resources.

Islamabad police have also launched anti-beggary drive to secure public places. The vagrants are being considered a serious threat, as terrorists can strike posing as beggars.

Rawalpindi police also finalised different steps to further beef up the security keeping in view the threats of terrorism and suicide blasts.

Police had tightened security in the cantonment and garrison areas, and divided the area in three different sectors to maintain constant vigilance.

Localities between Morgah and Chorr Harpal; Kutchery Chowk and Ammar Shaheed Chowk; and Chungi No. 22 and Saddar will remain under round-the-clock watch, along with intensified patrolling.

Confirming the security alert, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Nasir Khan Durrani told Dawn that patrolling in the vulnerable areas had been enhanced and police armed response units would remain present in sensitive areas.

He said number of pickets were being increased to counter any untoward incident.

The RPO said besides the policemen in uniform, plainclothesmen would remain present around sensitive areas and installations.

The extra security measures will remain in practice as long as the security situation demanded them, he added.