GUJRAT: The University of Gujrat administration has been asked to set up at least 26 observatory posts on the boundary wall of the Hafiz Hayat campus and depute security guards there.

The direction has also been given to the varsity to depute armed guards on every bus being run for the pick and drop of students.

DPO Rai Ijaz Ahmed and DCO Liaquat Ali Chatha held separate meetings with the-newly posted UoG Vice-Chancellor Dr Ziaul Qayyum at his office and discussed matters pertaining to security and uplift of the campus.

About two months ago the Gujrat police had established a police picket at the varsity campus in the wake of a wave of terrorism in the country.

Only four constables had been deputed at the varsity campus of the UoG since its establishment around a decade ago.

Sources said that law enforcement agencies had advised the varsity administration to enhance security in and around the campus by utilizing its own resources.

They said that intelligence reports apprehended the possibility of some militant activity at the varsity campus whereas vehicles carrying students could also be made hostage.

In the wake of security apprehensions, they say that LEAs have asked the varsity administration to set up 26 observation posts at the boundary wall and depute guards with sophisticated weapons for round-the- clock duty.

Sources in UoG said 180 security guards were available at the Hafiz Hayat campus, but most of them were deputed inside the campus with outdated weapons.

The Gujrat police have reportedly asked the varsity management to purchase modern and sophisticated arms for security guards.

The police have offered the varsity to provide them latest weapons for guards on a temporary basis.

Meanwhile, the DPO and the DCO during their surprise visit to the district jail expressed their reservations over the high-rise buildings in residential areas surrounding the jail.

The DCO directed the officials concerned of the Gujrat Tehsil Municipal Administration to issue notices to owners of these houses that were built in violation of rules.

He also directed officials to install more searchlights on the top of the jail building and construct rooms for security guards.

On the proposal of jail superintendent Imtiaz Bhalli, the DPO immediately allocated a patrolling vehicle of the Elite Force for the security of jail while another contingent of the force riding horses would patrol inside the jail.

WITHDRAWN: The Gujrat police have withdrawn a vehicle of the Elite force and police commandos from the security of ruling party’s MPA Mian Tariq Mehmood.

The MPA had been given the security on the orders of the Punjab chief minister a few years ago.

It is learnt that two policemen will remain at the security of the lawmaker.

Police sources said DPO Rai Ijaz Ahmed had also withdrawn police guards from some places and they were being deputed at the security of hospitals and educational institutions.

The security around the military college of Sara-i-Alamgir and the Kharian Cantonment has also been enhanced.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2014