KARACHI, July 2: Sindh police has been placed on red alert and the roads leading to the US consulate and the residence of the US Consul-General will be closed for vehicular traffic from Wednesday evening in connection with the independence day of the United States of America.

“The decision has been taken following threats of terrorist attacks on American interests received by the US authorities through e-mail in their country,” a senior police official said.

He feared that a terrorist attack similar to the car-bomb explosion that took place on June 14 near the US consulate could be repeated and US interests could be targeted on their independence day. “It is our duty to provide foreign missions and diplomats with fool-proof security, and all such measures are being taken in this respect. We understand that our people would face problems due to the closure of roads, but they should realize the gravity of the situation and extend cooperation to the police,” he added.

He, however, declined to divulge information as to whether the Pakistani authorities had also received similar threats.

In an official communique, the police announced the closure of Abdullah Haroon Road from Hoshang Chowk to the traffic signal of Metropole Hotel, where the US consulate is located; and Fatima Jinnah Road from Palace Traffic Chowki to Hoshang Crossing. The road would remain closed for vehicular movement from Wednesday at 8:00pm thru Friday morning.

Motorists have been asked to use alternative roads, such as Dr Daudpota Road, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Club Road and Sharea Faisal. Traffic police would be deployed to guide the motorists.

The sources said that the decision for further closure of these roads would be taken on Thursday night.

These road have remained closed for almost a fortnight now since the June 14 car-bomb blast outside the US consulate.

Sources said that a series of meetings were held by Sindh government officials and they tightened the security in the city by putting the police on high alert to meet any eventuality in view of the US independence day.

A senior police official said: “We are prepared and will take every possible step to maintain law and order.”

The sources added that highly-trained commandos had been deployed at very sensitive places, including the US and foreign consulates, offices of high commissions, residences of foreign dignitaries, important government and private offices, multinational companies and important installations.

Besides, security has also been increased at the airport, railway stations, all entry and exit points of the city, shopping centres, commercial and trade centres and other places to deal with any eventuality.

The leaves of police officials have been cancelled and all of them have been bound to join duty at all cost due to the high- alert situation.