Security zones in Islamabad being expanded: IGP

22 Oct, 2009

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Syed Kaleem Imam has said that already existing security rings or zones in Islamabad are being enhanced so as to further ensure elaborate arrangements against terrorist elements. Talking to journalists here on Wednesday at Police Line Headquarters after the passing out parade of Anti-terrorist squad , the IGP said " parameter of security rings is being enhanced for effective security arrangements in the Capital".
He said that security ring was earlier existing up to 9th avenue but now its parameter is being enhanced up to 10th avenue and 11th avenue. "We had reviewed the security arrangements before these terror incidents at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). Now, we are making further improvement in the security arrangements in the Capital," he maintained.
To a question, he said that intelligence, patrolling and checking in Islamabad had been enhanced and we are successful in arresting the people involved in general crime during the cordon off different sectors. He said no arrest has been made after tragic incidents at IIUI, however, some suspects are being interrogated."
We are also investigating whether the suiciders were dropped by someone in the university or they came there through bus," he added. The IGP said" high qualified personalities are under threat," adding that Islamabad police are doing its best to foil the activities of anti-social elements.
"Several terror acts had been thwarted by Islamabad police, however, terrorists succeed to penetrate after finding any loophole," he added. Syed Kaleem Imam said there are around 165 entry points for Islamabad and important arteries have been blocked through placing barriers, barbed wires or fencing.
To a question about the possibility that suiciders entered in Islamabad on foot, he said suiciders travel for a very short period, however, pedestrian tracks near entry points of Islamabad are being kept under observation. Earlier addressing the passing out squad, the IGP called for an improvement in professional capabilities of policemen to cope with the challenge of terrorism.
He said that role of anti-terrorist squad is important to combat the menace of terrorism. He stressed the need for arranging refresher courses on regular basis to improve the professional capabilities of the policemen. A total of 48 policemen including officers and jawans passed out who also staged a mock demonstration to counter any terrorist activity. The squad has also been given training for conducting any rescue operation in case of any emergency.
SSP (Operations) Islamabad Tahir Alam Khan, SSP Headquarters Zubair Hashmi, SSP (Traffic) Dr Moeen Masood, AIG Special Branch Tariq Masood Yaseen, SP (Traffic) Ashfaq Ahmed Khan, SP Headquarters Mir Waiz, SP (Admin) Yahya Khan, SSP (Security) Ehsan Abbass, SP (Security) Muhammad Ashfaq, SP (ATS) Malik Mumtaz and other police officials were also present on the occasion.
The IGP said that Islamabad police arrested 64 terrorists including the masterminds of terror activities during the last four months. He appreciated the role of personnel of Islamabad police in combating terrorism and said that government has awarded the highest number of medals to this force due to the best performance.
Syed Kaleem Imam said that 41 officers and jawans embraced martyrdom in the fight against terrorism. He said that police pickets have been erected at the various points of the Capital and strict vigilance is being maintained. Later, the IGP distributed certificates and medals among the passing out cops and announced to award Rs 2000 each to passing out candidates. He also awarded Rs 10,000 to Senior Instructor and Rs 5,000 each to other instructors.

Read Comments