GHALANAI/KHAR: Strict security checks were seen at mosques during Friday prayers in Mohmand and Bajaur agencies to prevent terrorist attacks.

Around 35 people were killed in a suicide attack on a mosque of Mohmand Agency’s Anbar tehsil during Friday prayers on Sept 16.

Security was on high alert in Mohmand Agency with additional security men deployed at mosques and along major roads.

The people were allowed to enter mosques to offer Friday prayers after body search.

During a jirga in Ghalanai, the agency headquarters, local elders assured local administration and security forces of complete support and cooperation in peace efforts in the area. They said they would fulfil their collective responsibility of the area and offer all-out help in the fight against militants.

The elders said the tribesmen found sheltering anti-state elements would be dealt with strictly.

Assistant political agent Pir Abdullah Shah told participants that all tribesmen should help the administration and security forces maintain law and order in the region.

The military officers deployed in the area also praised tribesmen for help in efforts of peace and development.

In Khar town and other areas of Bajaur Agency, strict security measures were seen at mosques during Friday prayers in line with the orders of the local administration.

Worshippers told Dawn that they observed unusual security checks at mosques.

They said Levies personnel body searched them before allowing them to enter mosques.

The people said they were a bit panicked to see so much security checks in place.

An official of the administration said strict security arrangements were made to prevent unpleasant incidents at mosques during Friday prayers.

He said besides levies personnel, peace volunteers too were deployed at mosques, while tribal elders and peace committee members also remained vigilant.

The official said mosques would continue to see such measures.

Published in Dawn September 24th, 2016