ABBOTTABAD: Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hazara Range, Mohammad Ali Babakhel on Wednesday directed the Abbottabad police to increase patrols in the city’s major markets ahead of Eidul Fitr to ensure the security of visitors.

He issued directions during a surprise visit to the city’s different bazaars along with the Abbottabad district police officer and other police officials.

The DIG said the police’s deployment would be increased near parking areas to prevent vehicle theft.

DIG also orders traffic plan for last days of Ramazan

He also ordered the removal of illegal small bus terminals in the city to address traffic problems.

The DIG directed the head of the city traffic police to come up with a comprehensive traffic plan for the last days of Ramazan besides facilitating tourists in Abbottabad and Galiyat areas, including Narran and Kaghan.

THREE DIE IN ACCIDENT: Three people were killed in two separate road accidents here on Tuesday.

Maulana Hafiz Haider Zaman and his wife, Khansa Bibi, died of critical injuries after the motorcycle they rode hit a truck on the Abbottabad-Nathiagali Road.

The deceased were bound for Abbottabad from Mohar Khurd village for Eid shopping.

The truck driver fled after the accident.

The police registered a case and began search for the driver.

Also, rickshaw driver Mohammad Usman was run over and killed by a speeding car in front of the Havelian POF factory.

The motorist fled after the accident.

EXTENSION OF ROAD PROJECT: Abbottabad deputy commissioner Amir Afaq on Wednesday directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority to complete the Abbottabad-Murree Road extension project before Eidul Fitr to facilitate visitors to Nathiagali and other hilly areas.

He issued the directions during a visit to the project area Accompanied by senior KPHA, traffic police and administration officials and the contractor, the DC said all hurdles to the work on the Abbottabad-Murree Road extension project had been removed, while funds had already been released for it and therefore, he won’t tolerate any slackness in the project’s completion.

He said tourism-related projects were being completed on a priority basis.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2019