ISLAMABAD: A contingent of 186 Elite Force commandos of Punjab police have arrived in the capital city to enhance security measures following two terrorism incidents within six weeks, the police said.

Another contingent of 40 personnel of the force will arrive in Islamabad soon, they added.

Apart from assigning them patrol duties at sensitive areas, separate teams will be deployed at different spots of the city, along with the Rangers and police, to react immediately and reach the trouble spot within a short time.

The personnel were demanded by the capital police for joint patrolling.

“We are expecting worse situations after the two terrorism incidents,” a police officer said, adding that there were intelligence reports that terrorism, in future, would be more lethal and brutal in the city compared to the previous strikes.

A security alert was issued on April 3, stating that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had planned to carry out terrorist attacks in three cities – Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Wah Cantonment – by using the name of another outfit, the officer said.

Preparations to prevent any untoward incident in future have already started, he said, adding that during the preparation it was identified that due to unavailability of technical support, it might be difficult to counter terrorism.

Besides, shortage of manpower is also hampering the process, the officer said.

Earlier, it was decided that the Rangers would also assist the police to meet the shortage, the officer said, adding that the paramilitary troops had different operating procedures, thus, it was difficult to form a joint team.

However, the police personnel are also being given training to handle and diffuse explosive devices, the police said, adding that the patrolling teams had also been asked to remain on high alert against suspects and criminal elements.

The police further added that the zonal in-charges – the superintendents of police – have been asked to check the condition and availability of weapons and ammunitions given to their subordinates; saying that faulty weapons should be replaced immediately.

The directions to conduct the checking of all hotels and guest houses, to verify particulars of visitors, were also issued, the police said, adding that they were also asked to obtain complete information about the slums in the city.

Suspects picked up by the police will be investigated properly, without ignoring even the minor information obtained from them. The directions further added that the investigation techniques should be improved.

The Crime Investigation Department and the special branch have been asked to ensure that their staff is working efficiently, and gather information with responsibility.

Direction were also issued to beef up the security measures at weekly bazaars, hospitals, markets, worship places, seminaries, motels, educational institutes and bus terminals.

The security measures will be taken along with the installation of close-circuited television (CCTV) cameras, metal detectors and the appointment of security guards.

Boundary walls shall also be erected at places where they are deemed necessary.