ISLAMABAD, Sept 10: Key foreign missions in the capital have taken extra-ordinary precautions to counter any possible threat on the first anniversary of Sept 11 attacks on the United States.

Security around missions has been tightened and access to their buildings has been restricted. Special advisories have been issued to the personnel from their respective headquarters to “be on high alert”, diplomatic sources said here on Tuesday.

“We have made tighter the internal security checks and advised all staff to be vigilant,” sources added.

As a special measure the World Bank has decided to keep its field office in Islamabad closed on Wednesday. The staff members have been advised to exercise caution during the entire week and be watchful of any suspicious activities around them. While being told to remain on their guard, they have also been asked to avoid visiting public places, particularly those frequented by foreign nationals.

The US embassy visa counsellor section will also remain closed for public on Wednesday, a US embassy official said. The American Centre in Islamabad has already been closed for security reasons. Its closure was announced last month following terrorist attacks on a Murree missionary school and on a chapel at a Christian hospital in Taxila.

UN offices in Islamabad will remain open on Wednesday but will observe special security procedures. “All UN agencies will be open on Sept 11 but we will be observing additional internal security checks on the occasion,” a UN Information Center staff member said.

Pakistan is a key member of the US-led coalition against terrorism.

Since Pakistan joined hands with the US in combating the Taliban and Al Qaeda elements after Sept 11 attacks, it has been a prime target of terrorist attacks.