The government has failed to act upon the recommendations given by law enforcement agencies to construct security posts after conducting survey of Margalla Hills to avert any possible infiltration from these mountains connecting Islamabad with NWFP.
A survey of Margalla Hills was conducted three months back by Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, police and other law enforcement agencies and they recommended that security checkposts be constructed at the Hills to secure Capital from any possible attack from this side, sources in the Interior Ministry told Business Recorder on condition of anonymity Tuesday.
The Interior Ministry has put the entire security apparatus on high alert and stringent measures are being taken to make Islamabad completely secure, but the important part of the Capital, which is making it vulnerable to terrorist attacks due to thick jungle, is being ignored.
Margalla Hills the border area of Capital and NWFP, provides easy approach route to the people coming from NWFP, particularly Mansehra district, which is not far from strife-torn districts of Dir, Buner, Swat and other parts of Malakand Division.
The Interior Ministry, after September 20, 2008 Marriott truck blast, decided to establish foolproof security system for Capital, particularly Red Zone comprising Presidency, Prime Minister House, Secretariat, Parliament, Supreme Court, Pak Secretariat, Parliament Lodges, Foreign Office, Diplomatic Enclave and various other sensitive government installation, besides residences of VVIP personalities, judges and ministers.
The survey report along with recommendations was presented to the Ministry of Interior but so far no action was taken in this regard, they said. In the report, LEAs demanded construction of new posts and provision of modern surveillance equipment. The report asked the ministry to make sure the early construction of new security posts at Margalla Hills, so that vigilance to check sneaking of any person to this area be enhanced besides provision of infrared equipment to LEAs, responsible for guarding the Hills, for night vigilance, be ensured sources said.
Pakistan Navy, Air Force and the Army were asked to enhance security in their headquarters alongside the Margalla Hills to avert any untoward terrorist act. Under the new comprehensive security plan for Capital, Pakistan Rangers were assigned the task to guard the Margalla Hills.
The security of Margalla Hills will be handed over to Rangers and they will be deployed on security posts previously constructed by Pakistan Army to guard Islamabad. Gilgit Scouts will be deployed around the Red Zone to provide security to this sensitive area besides VVIP personalities.
The deployment of Gilgit Scouts, Rangers and installation of scanners at entry points is part of the comprehensive security plan devised by the Interior Ministry in consultation with police and other law enforcement agencies.
Gilgit Scouts will also guard the Red Zone including Presidency, Prime Minister House and Secretariat, Parliament, Supreme Court, Pak Secretariat, Parliament Lodges and various other sensitive government installation, besides Diplomatic Enclave, VVIP personalities, Judges and Minister's enclosures.
The government has decided to close all entry and exit points of the city except seven including Golra Morr, IJP Road, Faizabad, Pirwadhai, Bara Kahu and Rawat. The government had planned to install high-tech and modern explosive detectors and scanners at 20 entry points of Islamabad, but nothing positive has been seen in this connection so far.