QUETTA: Security forces have been put on high alert in Quetta following Saturday’s attacks which claimed the lives of over two dozen people.

The Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University and the Bolan Medical College (BMC) have been closed.

Official sources said heavy contingents of security personnel had been deployed at all important buildings, hospitals and educational institutions in Quetta.

They said intelligence agencies had warned of risks of further attacks by militant organisations.

The provincial home department has declared high alert in all important jails in the province, including the central jail of Mastung and district jail of Quetta where some high-profile accused allegedly involved in various terrorist attacks are kept.

A senior government official told Dawn that security of inspector general police of Balochistan and other senior officials had been increased.

Patrolling by security forces has been enhanced and security personnel are checking vehicles at all entry and exit points.

Meanwhile, the administration of the Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University announced that the government would take various measures for security of students before reopening the university.

Hostels of the university have also been evacuated.

Bolan Medical College: The BMC was closed on Monday after Saturday’s bomb attack and fierce gunbattle on its premises which badly damaged its building and different wards.

All patients admitted to the BMC have been shifted to other hospitals.

Director General Health Dr Naseer Baloch said some sections of the BMC, including emergency ward and operation theatre, were damaged by the bomb blast and gunbattle and were not in a condition to treat patients.

The provincial health department has asked the government to provide maximum security to doctors and staff of government hospitals.

“We have approached the provincial home department and other officials concerned to seek maximum security at hospitals, including the BMC and civil hospital, Quetta,” said Dr Baloch.

He said it would be difficult for the staff to work under the risk of terror attacks. He said many patients admitted to the BMC had refused to remain in the hospital.

“We have requested the authorities to install walk-through gates at main entrances of hospitals and hostels for doctors and nurses,” he said.

After closure of the BMC, all medical officers and staff members have been directed to report to the medical superintend of Civil Hospital.