Capital gets explosives, weapons-detecting scanners

The government has received explosives and weapons detecting scanners from China and is all set to install these scanners at strategic points in Islamabad to check entry of terrorists and explosive laden vehicles. According to Interior Minister Rehman Malik the first two of the more than twenty scanners have been received from China and would be installed in the federal capital soon.
"We want to ensure maximum security. Checking system is stringent across the world. We also have a system in place and ensure maximum scanning of passengers at airports and other places under prescribed rules," the minister said. He said, "There are some reservations of certain quarters about the scanners therefore we have decided to invite media persons, nuclear scientists and other concerned people when these scanners will be installed in the city."
According to sources in the Ministry of Interior, the scanners would be installed at entry points and would help check passenger vehicles and the other goods carriers. They said the results of this initial exercise would be monitored closely and only suspected vehicles would be made go through the scanners. They further said that safety measures would also be taken during the checking to protect the passengers from any kind of radiation.
They said a team of ten police personnel, an assistant superintendent of police and nine computer-literate constables, have already received training in operating the scanners in China. They further said the government was also in taking measures to install CCTV cameras and scanners not only at airports but also on important roads, railway stations and in big cities."
It is pertinent to mention here that China and Pakistan inked an agreement in December last year for the supply of security equipment and gadgets to Pakistan, in a meeting between Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Yafei and Interior Minister A, Rehman Malik. According to police there are more than 160 points of entry into Islamabad but four main entry points for goods carrying vehicles.