RAWALPINDI: All police leaves, including those already granted, have been cancelled in the wake of the suicide attack in the federal capital, and officers and officials have been instructed to return to their units immediately.

According to sources, the inspector general of police Islamabad has issued an order regarding cancellation of all leaves of the police officers and officials with immediate effect and report back to their respective unit or division.

In an order to all DIGs, AIGs and SSPs of Islamabad police, the AIG Establishment on behalf of the IGP directed that in view of the prevailing law and order situation, no leave whatsoever to any officer and official of the police shall be granted until further orders, except in case of genuine emergency duly approved by the competent authority.

“All leaves already granted stand cancelled with immediate effect. The concerned officers and officials are directed to report back to their respective unit or division,” the order stated.

On the other hand, due to the recent security situation, the Rawalpindi police have decided to launch search operations across the district to monitor and root out extremist elements.

A police spokesman said that in view of the current security situation in Rawalpindi, police have been placed on “high alert” and decided to launch search operations across the city.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani said the purpose of the search operations is to monitor and root out anti-social and evil elements.

Rawalpindi police are always ready and determined to protect the country, nation and citizens. All steps are being taken to ensure peace and order in the city, the spokesman said.

The Punjab Home Department has also directed the regional police officers (RPOs), all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners, IG Police Special Branch, CTD and others relevant authorities to beef up the security apparatus across Punjab, particularly in high value, sensitive and densely populated areas by taking all necessary measures.

A senior police officer said security had been beefed up in the city in line with the provincial government’s directive as police patrolling has been increased and random checking of vehicles has been initiated, in addition to launching search operations.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2025