0
ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: Heightened level of security in the wake of Eidul Fitr and sporadic terrorist attacks of the recent past is keeping law-enforcement agencies on their toes, with the authorities in the capital city going for reinforcements by employing private guards, it has been learnt.
Officials told Dawn on Friday that the capital administration would seek the assistance of private security agencies in maintaining peace and ensuring safety of the people on Eidul Fitr.
They said each security firm had been asked to spare at least 25 guards for their deployment at commercial centres and public places, including mosques and Imambargahs.
Commenting on the arrangement, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Hamid Ali Khan said: “Yes, it is part of the security code that we acquire the services of private security guards.”
Under this code, the security guards, whether hired by the administration or by mosques, will be responsible for internal security of the places of worship and the police will remain off the premises, he added.
The local administration had sought the assistance of private security guards in past also.
Mr Khan told this reporter that a special meeting was held on Friday after which the security had been beefed up in the federal capital. Police commandos have been deployed at public places to avoid any untoward incident on Chaand Raat and Eid days.
“We have made the plan and sent it to the security agencies for implementation,” he said.
According to the chief commissioner, the federal capital had been divided into three zones.
Mr Khan said police commandos equipped with sophisticated weapons and wireless sets had been deployed at all sensitive places. In commercial centres, the security personnel were performing duty in plain clothes. Sniffer dogs are also being used to avert any terrorist threat.
The official said security had been tightened in the vicinity of mosques, Imambargahs, VIP route, airport, exit and entry points and bus bays.
“We have obtained record of all hotels and guest houses located in Islamabad and are thoroughly looking into the details of those people who have been staying there for over a month,” Mr Khan said, adding that entry registers of these hotels were being checked on daily basis.
RAWALPINDI: In order to ensure law and order, the city district government has devised a special security plan and cancelled the holidays of all police officials till the end of Eid holidays.
Close circuit television cameras have been installed at sensitive points, where security officials will also be deputed with the beginning of Chaand Raat celebrations.
Police commandos will perform duties at mosques and Imambargahs, while regular personnel will be present at recreational spots in the city.
Under the plan, SHOs of all the police stations will patrol their respective areas to monitor the activities of suspected persons.
TAXILA: Police in the cantonments of Taxila and Wah on Friday chalked out their security plan and cancelled the leave of personnel to ensure their availability for patrolling and emergency duties, our correspondent reported from Taxila.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Syed Akbar Abbas told reporters that additional force, both in uniform and plain clothes, would be deployed around sensitive places to avert any untoward incident and hooliganism.
He said the police would deal with unruly youth and lawbreakers with an iron hand.
Mr Abbas said all station house officers (SHOs) had been directed to carry out patrols in their areas to ensure peace during Eid celebrations.
ATTOCK: The district administration has beefed up security throughout the Attock district for Eidul Fitr, according to our correspondent in Attock.
Under intensified security, the police and the Elite Force will be deputed at mosques, Imambargahs and other open spaces where congregational Eid prayers are scheduled.
Besides, personnel of law-enforcement agencies have also been deployed at all sensitive points of the district, including main markets, bus terminals, railway stations and other public places.
