LAHORE: Security of important buildings in city mainly the Civil Secretariat was beefed up on Thursday, posting additional staff there and sealing them with barbed wire.

Razor wire was fixed at the boundary walls of the Civil Secretariat and at its gates, ensuring that no-one could climb them. Security at the gates too was enhanced, allowing even the government officials enter after thorough checking.

Many junior officials had to wait for quite some time for permission to enter the secretariat after checking their particulars. Barbed wire was also fixed at the boundary wall and gate of the adjacent MPAs hostel, the Pipal House, and on the road encircling it. Visitors were allowed entry only after frisking.

Officials said the security had been beefed up because of threats of sabotage. But insiders said that the long marches in Islamabad led to it.

Meanwhile, hectic meetings on law and order were held in the home department.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2014