Airport siege aftermath: Pakistan braces for imminent attacks

Published June 12, 2014
Security for all airports, government buildings has been beefed up across the country. — File photo
Security for all airports, government buildings has been beefed up across the country. — File photo

LAHORE/PESHAWAR/QUETTA: Following the deadly attack on Karachi airport, security for all airports and government buildings has been beefed up across the country.

Inspector General Punjab Khan Baig told the media on Thursday that terrorists in the province could attempt to attack government offices, dignitaries, lawyers and journalists, besides the airport.

He said that while security had already been on a 'high alert' level, it has been further strengthened for potential targets.


Also read: Security found lax at Islamabad airport


Meanwhile, DawnNews quoted sources at security agencies as saying that ‘shoot at sight’ orders have been issued at Peshawar's Bacha Khan International Airport for those who would attempt to gain unauthorised entry.

The airport is on high alert, with extra search lights installed and patrol squads employed as safety measures.

Furthermore, police claimed to have arrested two alleged terrorists and recovered pistols, fake press and police identity cards from Dera Ismail Khan, a bordering district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near Southern Punjab.


Balochistan evolves fresh security plan


The Balochistan government also evolved a new security plan to secure government installations including airports, assembly building, prisons, governor house and CM secretariat buildings from any terror attacks.

Following the Karachi airport attack and Taftan bloodshed, Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch had called an emergency meeting, which noted loopholes in the security of Balochistan Assembly, High Court, Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television Corporation, NTC, TV boosters and buildings in Red Zone.

The new security plan was approved in the meeting.

“We have removed VIP parking within the premises of Quetta International Airport and Balochistan Assembly putting ban on the entry of private security guards at both the places,” said Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Thursday while speaking to APP.

He said keeping in view security issues, new parking area would be specified for lawmakers in the premises of Balochistan Assembly.

Additional personnel of law enforcement agencies would be deployed at and around the assembly building.

“We have also planned to launch a crackdown against holders of illegal arms and those involved in the business of selling illegal weapons,” he added.

He said the construction of any structure near Smungli Airbase and Quetta Airport had been completely banned. Additional personnel of security forces had been posted on the route to airbase.

“Jail authorities across the province have been directed to take extra measures for the security of the inmates,” Sarfaraz said – APP

On the night of 8th June, unidentified assailants forged fake ID cards to pose as Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel and managed to enter the old terminal.


Know more: Karachi airport tragedy shows tactical shift by Taliban


The militants carried out the attack from three different sides, while there were reports that two terrorists managed to get inside a plane.

The long operation against the attackers was successful and all militants were eliminated. On the afternoon of 9th June, Karachi airport was handed over to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and was opened for general public.

Another attack took place a day later on ASF camp number 2 in Karachi. There were no casualties in the attack, in which at least three to four terrorists opened fire near the camp and fled after heavy contingent of security forces reached the spot.

Opinion

Editorial

Border clashes
19 May, 2024

Border clashes

THE Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier has witnessed another series of flare-ups, this time in the Kurram tribal district...
Penalising the dutiful
19 May, 2024

Penalising the dutiful

DOES the government feel no remorse in burdening honest citizens with the cost of its own ineptitude? With the ...
Students in Kyrgyzstan
Updated 19 May, 2024

Students in Kyrgyzstan

The govt ought to take a direct approach comprising convincing communication with the students and Kyrgyz authorities.
Ominous demands
Updated 18 May, 2024

Ominous demands

The federal government needs to boost its revenues to reduce future borrowing and pay back its existing debt.
Property leaks
18 May, 2024

Property leaks

THE leaked Dubai property data reported on by media organisations around the world earlier this week seems to have...
Heat warnings
18 May, 2024

Heat warnings

STARTING next week, the country must brace for brutal heatwaves. The NDMA warns of severe conditions with...