PESHAWAR: Revealing terrorists are using public transport vehicles to fulfil ‘their evil designs’, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inspector general of police Nasir Khan Durrani on Monday asked both transporters to ensure thorough checking of the luggage of commuters.

However, the official statement quoting the police chief didn’t elaborate on the revelation.

Mr. Durrani was talking to the people during a visit to the Haji Camp general bus stand to review security checks.

He issued necessary instructions to the police officials deployed them on ways and means to counter terrorism.

The police chief also ordered the strict implementation of the standing operating procedure issued for transporters and prompt crackdown on unlawful activities.

Earlier, he paid a surprise visit to police posts in Peshawar’s peripheral areas bordering Khyber Agency. The Peshawar police chief and SSP (operations) also accompanied him.

The statement said of many sensitive locations, the IGP visited the Bara Qadeem and Shinwari Qila police check posts, which, due to their contiguity to the tribal belt, were vulnerable and saw heavy attacks from militants operating from the tribal belt in the past.

The police chief interacted with the constabulary deployed at check posts and asked them about their preparedness to counter terrorism as well as their welfare.

He expressed satisfaction with the dutifulness of officials deployed there, praised them for bravery, and declared them the pride of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police.

Mr. Durrani also distributed cash awards among them to boost their moral. He also spoke to the local residents and said terrorism was a national issue.

The police chief said terrorists couldn’t demoralise the police and people by their activities.

He said he was hopeful that the police, army and people would continue foiling the designs of terrorists to ensure peace.

Mr. Durrani asked the people to ensure strict vigilance of their surroundings and inform the police without delay after seeing any suspicious activity.

He also praised the people for extending unflinching support to law enforcers in the ongoing war against terror and hoped their support with the police will work as deciding factor against militancy.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2017