October 08, 2008	Wednesday	Shawwal 08, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Oct 7: Extraordinary security has been arranged for the already heavily guarded Parliament House area for the joint session of the parliament called for a briefing on the bloody operations against the terrorists on Wednesday.

Official sources said surveillance by army helicopters would be the newest addition to the security measures. In the past the deployment of extra police, Rangers and Punjab Constabulary was considered sufficient on such occasions.

Security posts have been set up on roof-tops of high rise buildings in the area and also on the hill tops of the Margallas. Three companies of the army have also been called in to reinforce security arrangements.

Apparently, last month's truck bombing of the Marriott Hotel and the recent targeting of two political leaders by suicide bombers raised the security concerns of the government higher.

Authorities have cancelled all police leaves as Islamabad has been put on ‘red-alert’ to ensure the security. “Helicopters from the Army Aviation have been called for air surveillance while Rangers and police commandos are being deployed at outer pickets to ensure security,” a senior security official said.

Before the Marriott bombing only Sector G-5 was designated as 'red-zone'. But the September 20 bombing which killed 55 people, including two US Marines and five other foreigners, sent shockwaves around the world and the ‘red zone’ was extended to three more sectors - F-6, F-7 and G-6.

“We will be using a whole range of tactics to deal with all possible threats,” a senior police official said without revealing any.

Under the traffic plan prepared by the Islamabad traffic police for the joint session of the parliament, public transport will not be allowed into Pak Secretariat after 3pm.

Ataturk Avenue, popularly called Embassy Road, will remain to all traffic and the general public coming from Bari Imam and Rawal Dam outskirts have been told to use Kashmir Highway to reach the inner city. Participants of the joint session have been asked to reach the Parliament House via Radio Pakistan Chowk, or Secretariat Chowk for those using Margalla Road.

Commuters however should use Suhrawardy Road to reach Radio Pakistan Chowk. Diplomats will be able to enter the Diplomatic Enclave through Suhrawardy Road and the Shams Picket via 3rd Road. Dwellers of Bari Imam and Quaid-i-Azam University have been advised to use the 3rd Road.

People can dial traffic police helpline number 915, in case they needed help.