KARACHI, June 6: The Capital City Police, under a security plan for important government offices and officials, has decided to divide the city in different 'security zones' with a view to ensure an effective check on suicide bombings and subversive activities in the city.

In the first phase, Clifton Town and Saddar Town have been divided in 12 security zones - Headquarters 5 Corps, Rangers Headquarters Jinnah Courts, Governor's House, Naval Headquarters, Sindh Secretariat, Sindh Assembly, Sindh High Court, US Consulate General, Residence of US Consulate General, British Mission, Police Head Office (PPO Office), and Office of the DIG Operations.

IGP Syed Kamal Shah has directed police department to finalize the arrangements to implement the plan in the remaining 16 towns without any delay. All TPOs, especially those of Clifton and Saddar towns, have been asked to deploy security staff in adequate number at checking points in their respective security zones.

The check points are to be set up on the main roads around the demarcation lines of the security zones and would be at a reasonable distance from each other. An ASI or headconstable at every check point would be responsible for coordination among all the deployed force within a security zone. The information and directives pertaining to security matters would be passed on promptly among the force deployed for the purpose.

In case of vehicle-snatching or a similar incident, the operations base would convey the relevant details to the checkpoints of all the security zones. Detailed about the checking of vehicles, to be updated every hour, would be kept at the Reader Branch of each town.

The IGP has directed the TPOs that in the face of an alert call, nakabandi and vehicle checking be carried out at all the entry and exit points, especially at Mochko post, Super Highway Toll Plaza, Ghaghar Crossing, etc., and to ensure that all SDPOs and SHOs were present within their jurisdiction to personally supervise the checking. The IGP himself would supervise the checking operation in the city.

The IGP has asked SSPs to keep their reserve force on alert so that it could be mobilized swiftly in case of an emergency. The SDPOs and SHOs have been directed to keep a reasonable distance between every two vehicles during the checking. The IGP directed the officials that a suspected vehicle must be checked by its driver with security personnel acting as lookout.

The police force deployed at check points would be equipped with walky-talky sets, explosives detectors and specific mirrors meant for vehicle checking. In case of an alert call, all essential services - fire brigade, bomb disposal squad, ambulances, etc. - be kept in ready-to-move position, said the IGP. -PPI