186 Elite Force commandos arrive in capital

ISLAMABAD: A contingent of 186 Elite Force commandos of Punjab police have arrived in the capital city to enhance security measures following two terrorism incidents within six weeks, the police said. Another contingent of 40 personnel of the force will arrive in Islamabad soon, they added. Apart from assigning them patrol duties at sensitive areas, separate teams will be deployed at different spots of the city, along with the Rangers and police, to react immediately and reach the trouble spot within a short time. The personnel were demanded by the capital police for joint patrolling. “We are expecting worse situations after the two terrorism incidents,” a police officer said, adding that there were intelligence reports that terrorism, in future, would be more lethal and brutal in the city compared to the previous strikes. A security alert was issued on April 3, stating that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had planned to carry out terrorist attacks in three cities – Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Wah Cantonment – by using the name of another outfit, the officer said. Preparations to prevent any untoward incident in future have already started, he said, adding that during the preparation it was identified that due to unavailability of technical support, it might be difficult to counter terrorism. Besides, shortage of manpower is also hampering the process, the officer said. Earlier, it was decided that the Rangers would also assist the police to meet the shortage, the officer said, adding that the paramilitary troops had different operating procedures, thus, it was difficult to form a joint team. However, the police personnel are also being given training to handle and diffuse explosive devices, the police said, adding that the patrolling teams had also been asked to remain on high alert against suspects and criminal elements. The police further added that the zonal in-charges – the superintendents of police – have been asked to check the condition and availability of weapons and ammunitions given to their subordinates; saying that faulty weapons should be replaced immediately. The directions to conduct the checking of all hotels and guest houses, to verify particulars of visitors, were also issued, the police said, adding that they were also asked to obtain complete information about the slums in the city.