Security tightened in Peshawar amid terror threat alert

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police Department has heightened security in the provincial capital Peshawar and the adjoining districts, in the wake of recent blasts in Afghanistan.
Following the latest attacks — a double suicide blast in Kabul left 25 people dead including an AFP photographer and eight other journalists and a BBC reporter was killed in a separate attack in eastern Khost province — police special forces were given motorbikes on Thursday to help them get to the scene and tackle emergency situations.
Speaking at a press conference, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Qazi Jamilur Rehman, said four special forces — the Quick Response Force, Rapid Response Force, Anti-Terrorist Squad and Special Combat Unit — have been merged due to the persistent threat of attacks.
He added that Peshawar in particular is under severe threat and urged the media to spread public awareness of the need to report any suspicious activity to the police.
“The police along with other security forces restored peace, but once again Peshawar and its adjoining districts are under threat of attacks and we have to maintain order and take measures to save lives,” he added.
According to the Superintendent of Police (SP) Peshawar City, Kokab Farooq, the number of police patrolling in Peshawar has been increased and snap checks have been ordered in different parts of the city.
SP Security, Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada, said security precautions had been ramped up at courts, schools and hospitals.
Police carried out a mock emergency drill at the University of Peshawar.
Earlier, senior police officials met with media bureau chiefs and editors and warned them of the security threat in Peshawar and surrounding area.
Media organizations were asked to take security measures in their offices and to avoid visiting a blast site immediately after an incident to avoid casualties.
“There is chances of second blast after an initial bomb attack. This is why you should be cautious,” the CCPO told the editors and bureau chiefs.
Peshawar has long been a terrorist target due to its proximity with the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and the Afghan border.
As the CCPO handed over the new bikes to police special forces, he explained: “At times, the police are unable to reach an emergency situation in big vehicles, especially given the construction work on bus rapid transit project in the city. This is why we are handing over bikes to the special forces.”