ISLAMABAD: While security concerns have increased in the capital after the suicide blast, police have decided to ensure foolproof security to tackle any untoward incident in the upcoming days and during the New Year events.

Capital Police Officer (Operations) Sohail Zafar Chattha on Sunday directed subdivisional police officers (SDPOs) and SHOs to beef up security in their respective areas.

He asked the officers not to overlook the possible security threats and remain vigilant.

Mr Chattha issued these instructions at a meeting which was also attended by SSP Operations Malik Jamil Zafar and other officers.

On Dec 23, a policeman was martyred and at least six people, including four police officers, were injured in a suicide blast in Islamabad’s I-10/4 sector.

Television footage showed the fiery wreckage of a vehicle with several officials at the scene after the explosion. Shortly afterwards, the police declared a “red alert” in the city.

The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which called off a stop-start ceasefire with the government in November, claimed responsibility for the blast in a statement.

The same day, the capital administration banned all types of gatherings, especially activities related to the upcoming local government elections, for two weeks.

According to a statement, CPO Chattha directed that extra force should be deployed to shield the city, adding that search and combing operations should be carried out throughout the city.

He stressed that the SDPOs should make a comprehensive strategy to combat crime in their respective areas.

“Snap checking should be conducted besides activating the Eagle Squads to catch the criminals and suspects,” he added.

He said strict action would be initiated against those involved in aerial firing and wheeling on roads.

“No laxity would be tolerated in this regard,” he said.

The said that a special crackdown should also be launched to arrest hardcore criminals and proclaimed offenders to combat criminal activities and to save the lives and property of the citizens.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2022