ISLAMABAD: Aerial surveillance conducted as part of added security measures for the President of Mauritius, Dr Bibi Ameenah Firdaus’ visit, gave rise to rumours and scared citizens, according to a police official.

A security official, on the other hand, said clearance also had to be issued for a couple of visiting delegations.

“Islamabad is a hilly area and terrorists can easily hide in the wooded stretch between Shakarparian and Aabpara, which is why it was necessary to carry out aerial surveillance to issue clearance,” he said.

“Helicopters made dozens of flights. Aerial surveillance started in the morning and continued well into the evening which is what started the rumours,” Aurangzeb, a government official told Dawn.

“Just a few years ago, there were rumours that the Taliban have reached the Margalla Hills, which is still fresh in people’s minds. I also got calls from friends who wanted to find out what was going on,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2016