Islamabad police arrests 32 in search operation

Published August 1, 2013
A policeman searches a man in front of the National Assembly in Islamabad after security red alert on Constitution Avenue. — Photo by AFP/File
A policeman searches a man in front of the National Assembly in Islamabad after security red alert on Constitution Avenue. — Photo by AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: Thirty-two people were arrested on Thursday during a search operation carried out by Islamabad Police in parts of the federal capital.

The police conducted the operation as US Secretary of State John Kerry was visiting the capital for meetings with the country's top civil and military leadership.

Along with arresting 32 people, the police also apprehended 48 beggars from parts of the city and also seized 135 motorbikes and seven cars which were either unregistered or lacking in requisite paperwork.

While a number of search operations have been carried out in the city in the recent past, today’s action can also likely be in relation to Kerry’s visit, who has already shortened his stay in Pakistan due to security reasons.

Kerry had originally planned to spend a few days in the country, but is now expected to spend only a day in the capital.

Diplomatic sources had told Dawn Monday’s attack on a prison in Dera Ismail Khan contributed to the decision to reduce Kerry’s stay in Islamabad.

The city houses the Presidency, the Parliament and the Supreme Court and authorities in the past have also claimed to have foiled attacks on the Parliament which lies adjacent to Aiwan-i-Sadr.

Islamabad has also witnessed terrorist attacks in the past, among which the bombing targeting the Marriott Hotel remains the most well-known.

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...