ISLAMABAD: To preempt any violence by activists of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), the local administration enhanced security of sensitive installations in Red Zone on Wednesday.

According to sources, 15 reserves, each comprising 22 personnel of police, were deployed inside the Parliament Lodges.

This is in addition to police and Rangers who have already been stationed inside the lodges to prevent trespassing by PAT activists.

Similarly, two reserves of police were sent as reinforcement to the Election Commission of Pakistan building.

The security of the Federal Ombudsman office, the Federal Board of Revenue and the Federal Shariat Court has also been increased, they said.

About 30 reserves were put on standby at Radio Pakistan Chowk, the sources said, adding that the Prime Minister’s Secretariat was however given a single reserve.

Security of the Prime Minister’s House, PM Secretariat, Parliament House and Pak Secretariat has already been given to the troops, they added.

Though security of the Red Zone has been enhanced, police are advising the government to avoid confrontation with protesters as it might lead to violence, the officials added.

Earlier, the government, including a few ministers, did consider using force against activists of PAT and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), but had to shun the idea after the police and capital administration convinced them to avoid confrontation.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2014