ISLAMABAD: Since the threat of terrorism has heightened in the country, the Islamabad police have decided to co-opt citizens in their security and surveillance operations.

On Sunday, Inspector General of Police Tahir Alam Khan said in a statement that “with the cooperation of public, the police will eradicate the menace of terrorism from the society”.

Citizens should rise to their “responsibility in the present circumstance” and cooperate with police in identifying criminal elements and activities in their midst, he said.

Police sources said that the force had been preparing for securing the federal capital against terror attacks even before the massacre of schoolchildren in Peshawar on December 16 mobilised the nation to counterterrorism on war-footing.

Starts checking on tenants in outlying areas

Some 83,000 houses were identified by the police in the urban area and slum areas of Islamabad for collection of data and information about their inmates, the sources said.

However, the outlying localities like Rawat, Tarnol and Bhara Kahu are yet to be covered for the purpose.

Police want spirited citizens, particularly youth, to register their names with the police station of their area for joining the local surveillance committee.

“Women volunteers too are welcome. They can register with the Women Police Station in Sector G-7,” said a police officer requesting anonymity.

“Police cannot be present at all the places all the time and citizens can become our eyes and ears for the good of all,” said the officer, assuring that their name and the information they provide will be kept secret.

“Even elderly and retired citizens can be helpful by passing on anything unusual or suspicious they see or hear on their outings to the police,” he said.

That will also be the task of the citizens taken on the surveillance committees – reporting any suspicious activity or person that comes to their knowledge to the area police or Rescue 15.

Citizens volunteering to serve on the surveillance and security committees will be provided special ID cards and “complete protection”.

A police spokesman quoted IGP Tahir Alam Khan as saying that “the federal government is utilising all possible resources to ensure the safety of citizens and tackle the criminal elements”.

Senior Superintendent of Police Asmatullah Junejo appealed to residents to provide details of their tenants to their area police before hiring out their property. “Those who fail to do that will face legal action,” he warned.

In fact, the federal police started checking on the property owners and tenants on Sunday in the localities of Khanna, Koral, Iqbal Town, Shahzad Town, Humak and the surrounding areas.

Particulars of the tenants were collected and cases were registered against 26 property owners who did not provide details of their tenants to police before renting out their property.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2014