ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has asked the police and security agencies to gear up their resources to fully secure the twin cities of Rawalpindi Islamabad and its residents in the wake of recently launched operation against the terrorists in tribal areas.
The Minister said this while chairing a meeting on Saturday to review the security situation of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He said that sensitivity of the situation demands extra security measures and it is incumbent on the security agencies to fully secure public places and strategically important buildings.
Chaudhry Nisar directed the police high-ups to review the overall security of the federal capital with particular reference to entry and exit points and identification of sensitive buildings in order to take security measures accordingly.
The Minister stressed that entry and exit points of both cities be put on high alert and areas surrounding the federal capital and Rawalpindi be thoroughly searched on war footings and be cleared of any unlawful elements.
He said that joint patrolling teams of Rangers and Police have given a sense of security to the residents of Islamabad and directed to strategize this exercise to get its more optimum use.
Chaudhry Nisar also added that all routes must be highly protected and special attention be paid to unconventional routes including jeepable and pedestrian routes. In preview of last night terrorist incident at Chan Pir Darbar, the Minister directed Commissioner Islamabad to put ban on all congregations as the level of threat is high because of ongoing operation in tribal areas.
The Minister said that senior police officers need to inculcate the elements of responsibility and vigilance among the force in order to face the menace of terrorism as the country was facing a war like situation. The meeting also reviewed the security measures that are being taken at arrival of Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri on June 23.
The Minister stressed that the security plan be devised in such a manner that security of those participating in rally of PAT and that of general public be ensured by means of better coordination between the administration and police of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
He directed that security of other parts of twin cities be also ensured at this moment so that no unlawful element could take advantage of the situation. The Minister also directed to keep in view the facilitation of the common public while keeping strict security measures intact.
Commissioner Rawalpindi IG Islamabad and RPO Rawalpindi briefed the Minister regarding security plan for twin cities and updated the latest measures that are being been taken at this moment. The meeting was attended by Secretary Interior NC NACTA, DG FIA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Commissioner Rawalpindi, IG Islamabad police, RPO and CPO Rawalpindi and SSP Islamabad.