Security plan for Pakistan Day parade chalked out

The city police and 111 Brigade have jointly chalked out a comprehensive security plan for Pakistan Day military parade, and security of the Federal Capital has also been put on high alert to thwart any untoward incident. A senior official of Islamabad police told Business Recorder that over 2,500 police personnel would be deployed for security duties on the eve of Pakistan Day parade on March 23, after an interval of seven years.
Under the security plan, he said two main arteries of the city including Kashmir Highway and Islamabad Expressway will be closed to traffic for full dress rehearsal. He said Kashmir Highway will be closed to traffic from Peshawar Morr to Dokri Chowk and Islamabad Expressway from Zero Point to Kana Bridge, from 6:30am to 2pm. He said over 30 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras would be installed in the adjacent areas of the venue of the parade. The law enforcement agencies will also carry out aerial surveillance, especially of the parade venue and generally across the city.
The official said in light of security measures, the district administration has issued notifications to close 41 seminaries and shrines adjacent to parade zone from 18 March to March 24. According to the notification, out of 41 seminaries, 18 seminaries come under the Industrial Area Police Station, six under the Shahzad Town Police Station, 14 under Aabpara Police Station and three under the Secretariat police limits.
He said marriage halls, guesthouses, hotels and kiosks falling in the vicinity of parade will be closed and construction work on under-construction building would be stopped. The high-ups of police have directed Sub Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) to implement the directives and pay surprise visits to halls, hotels, motels and guest houses to ensure compliance, he said.
He said strict directives have been issued to SDPOs and SHOs to enhance patrolling as well as checking various areas of the city and conduct search operation at slum areas, Afghan habitats, under construction buildings and workshops. The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has also made special plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the occasion of Pakistan Day military parade, he added. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan directed the Islamabad police to ensure foolproof security on the eve of Pakistan Day parade.
He issued these directives while presiding over a meeting, also attended by the senior officials of police. The high-ups of police briefed the Interior Minister about the security measures taken in Rawalpindi and Islamabad in the wake of Pakistan Day parade. The minister said no negligence in this regard would be tolerated. He said it should also be ensured that citizens do not face hardships. The Interior Minister also appealed to citizens to cooperate with LEAs regarding security arrangements.