Security has been put on red alert in the federal capital in view of the 13th Economic Co-operation Organisation (ECO) Summit being held in the city today (Wednesday). The strict security measures are being taken by the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to avoid any untoward incident. Security arrangements have been made for participants of the Summit as hard-liner followers of late Mumtaz Qadri, who was hanged for assassinating former governor Punjab Salman Taseer, are celebrating his first death anniversary on March 1.
Sources said that according to Special Branch report, around 25,000 to 30,000 people would attend the death anniversary. Over 10,000 security personnel from Islamabad police, Rangers, Punjab police, Frontier Constabulary and other LEAs have been deployed in and around Red Zone as well as on rooftops of buildings along the route of the visiting dignitaries from the airport to the federal capital. An official said that security would be unprecedented and 'level one security' has been made in view of prevailing security situation in the country. "The basic responsibility of security for the Summit would be with the Islamabad police, while army troops would act as a quick response force on the occasion," he said, adding three-layer security strategy - inner, outer and outer most cordon - has been finalised for the Summit.
Heavy contingents of police have been deployed in and outside Red Zone, and checking has been enhanced in other parts of the city for the last three days. "Security in the city has already been put on high alert and strict orders have been issued to the police officers concerned to enhance patrolling as well as checking in various areas of the city including slums, Afghan habitats, under-construction buildings and workshops," he added.
He said that law enforcers have been ordered to conduct special search operations in forests and greenbelts of the city. The strength of police at the entry points of the city has been enhanced and strict checking of vehicles is under way. Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has devised a special traffic plan and ITP personnel will perform special duties on various routes to ensure convenience to road users.