ISLAMABAD: A civilian intelligence agency on Monday started aerial surveillance of important installations in the capital city to suggest new security measures for them.

The initiative has been taken after the Islamabad police declared the safety steps for the sensitive installations ‘unproductive’, officials in the interior ministry and the police told Dawn.

They added that the intelligence agency officials flew in helicopters provided by the interior ministry over the capital city, including the Red Zone, to get a clear picture of the buildings and their access routes.

Earlier, the special branch of the capital police had conducted a similar ground survey soon after the terrorism attack at the district courts on March 3. The survey was completed a few days back.

“In the light of the survey, an audit report was prepared identifying the loopholes in the security arrangements around the installations,” the officials said. Besides, the survey also highlighted how the buildings can be accessed by terror suspects.

Moreover, it pointed out the spots near the buildings which helped the attackers to retaliate and those which could be used by the terrorists for hiding.

There are 21 important buildings in the capital city which needed improved security measures, said the report. It also suggested two to three lines of defence, instead of one, for the buildings.

The report sought an improvement in the infrastructure of the 21 buildings besides laying barbed wires and barricades around them. The installation of CCTV cameras and walk-through gates was also proposed.