Home minister orders security high alert across Sindh

Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon chaired a meeting at the Central Police Office on Friday to discuss security arrangements for Chinese nationals.

The meeting was attended by additional IGPs from Karachi and CTD, the DIGs of Special Branch, CPEC, the SP of the Foreigners’ Security Cell, and other senior police officers. DIGs from Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, MirpurKhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad police ranges participated via video link. The additional IG Karachi and DIG West were also present on the occasion.

The IGP emphasized the need to establish a dedicated unit within the Special Branch equipped with modern security techniques tailored for the protection of Chinese nationals. He stressed the strict implementation of the SOPs issued by the government of Sindh regarding the security of foreign visitors and delegates and regular issuance of security advisories by relevant officers.

Supervisory officers at the range, district, and zone levels were instructed to reassess security measures for foreigners to formulate a concrete and effective police strategy and submit a review report within three days.

The meeting also discussed Friday’s suicide attack on foreigners in Mansehra Colony, Landhi, Karachi. The IGP commended the swift and effective response of the police, which prevented the attack and ensured the safety of all foreigners involved. Further discussions centered on enhancing security measures for all Chinese residents, experts, staff, and other foreign guests and the delegates in Sindh.

Memon reiterated the commitment of the Sindh police and security agencies to remain vigilant and defeat any terrorist threats. The proactive stance and preparedness of law enforcement agencies underscored their determination to safeguard the lives and interests of foreign nationals within the province, he added.

IGP Memon announced cash rewards and certificates of appreciation for the Karachi Police team that foiled the terrorist attack in Mansehra Colony and fought bravely.

Police Constable Qasim Habib, who played a leading role in the incident, was awarded a cash prize of Rs500,000 and the Quaid-e-Azam Police Medal. The IGP announced cash rewards and commendation certificates (CC-I) for a team of officers and jawans of the Karachi Police for their courageous performance in foiling the terrorist attack on foreigners in the early hours of Friday with timely and prompt response.

Memon especially invited the Malir SSP and his police team to the Central Police Office Karachi. He lauded the performance of the SSP and his team at all levels for taking the fastest, timely and boldest action against the terrorists. He said that today’s initiative and successful efforts against crime had not only raised the morale of the entire Sindh police but would also strengthen the trust of the people in the police.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar orders a thorough probe into the attack. Officials said Lanjar had taken notice of the attack on a convoy of foreign nationals, wherein a security guard was injured and two attackers were neutralized by the prompt response of the police. According to the spokesman for the home minister, Lanjar instructed the additional IGP Karachi to furnish a detailed report on the incident.

He emphasized the importance of thorough investigations by the police into the matter. Additionally, he instructed the police to provide a comprehensive account of the actions taken in response to the attack. He reiterated that the province’s peace and security were paramount and that any attempts to disrupt it would not be tolerated.

Lanjar ordered security high alert across the province till further orders. He said that the security measures should be made foolproof in mosques, Imambargahs and other open places. He directed the district senior superintendents of police and sub-divisional police officers to be in the field. He said station house officers should be very diligent and alert for security purposes.

He said special focus should be placed on snap-checking, picketing and patrolling. He further said that a communication strategy should be made effective.