ISLAMABDA, Oct 22: The capital police are in search of a vehicle believed to be carrying explosives, sources told Dawn on Wednesday.

The sources said that the police were informed at around 8:00pm by the Special Branch of Rawalpindi that the explosives-laden white Toyota Corolla car had entered the capital city.

Soon after receiving the information the police came on the roads and started to search for the vehicle.

The sources said that on the directive of the Senior Superintendent of Police Islamabad Capt (retired) Ahmat Latif extra pickets had been set up in and around the city, including all the exit and entry points of the capital for the search of the white car. The city has partially been sealed and the law enforcers are searching different parking areas, including markets and hotels for the car.

The sources said that security sources had informed about the possible suicide attack at busiest shopping centre of the capital, particularly Jinnah Super Market any time in a week.

The sources said that on the light of the information the diplomats, foreigners, United Nations’ official had been advised to avoid visiting the shopping centre.

Meanwhile, the sources said that the Diplomatic Protection Department was informed by the intelligence agencies some weeks back, that militants might kidnap the foreign diplomats.

The sources said that the militants might switch over their activities to kidnapping the foreign dignitaries instead of attacking the foreign installation. Earlier, some incidents of kidnapping of and attempt to kidnap diplomats took place in NWFP.

After getting the information the DPD enhanced the security of the diplomats, their family members and there residents, especially those living outside the Diplomatic Enclave. They have been asked to inform the police department concerned before moving out, the sources said.

The family members of diplomats of European countries, India and officials of the United Nations have already left Pakistan for security reasons.