In view of the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, the Karachi police have issued a public safety advisory. Officials said on Saturday the city has been put on high alert following increased military tensions between Pakistani forces and Afghan Taliban near the Pak-Afghan border.
Police and other law enforcement agencies have strengthened surveillance and tightened security at key entry and exit points, transportation hubs, and sensitive and important places to pre-empt potential security threats.
In the safety guidelines issued for residents and visitors, they have been advised to observe the following precautions until further updates from the authorities, stressing the need to stay vigilant and be alert to announcements from local law enforcement and provincial officials.
“Report suspicious activity: If you observe unusual movements, unattended packages, unfamiliar persons loitering in sensitive areas, illegal foreigners, or any other suspicious activity, immediately notify local police or emergency services (Police-15).
“Follow directions of security personnel: Comply promptly with instructions from police checkpoints or clearance operations. Stay calm and verify information. Don’t spread unverified rumours or panic content on social media.
“Recently a false alert regarding threat to few shopping centres and commercial areas was spread on social media, causing fear and panic in public. Rely on official statements from Sindh police, local administration, or government press briefings.
“All air travellers are advised to leave their homes at least one hour earlier than usual due to enhanced screening, stop-and-search measures, and increased security around airport and key points.
“Only one visitor and attendant should accompany a passenger up to the designated drop-off or pick-up point to avoid overcrowding at the airport. Citizens are advised to carry their CNICs at all times, as they may be required for verification at various checkpoints.
“In case of any suspicious activity or emergency, immediately contact Police-15 or call the police landline at 021-99225327 for prompt assistance. National security forces and law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to respond to threats and protect citizens. All measures are designed to maintain peace, stability, and public safety.”
According to another advisory issued for people visiting worship places, all imams have been requested to inform the worshippers of the following precautions and instructions during the sermons and prayers.
“All worshippers should keep a close eye on their surroundings and immediately inform the local police of any unknown, non-local or suspicious person. If people are seen in the mosque who have never been seen praying in the mosque before or who have suddenly started praying, get information about them and inform the police in time.
“If suspicious movements of non-local or other unknown people are seen in any area, the police should be informed immediately. If anyone tries to spread sectarianism, chaos or incitement in the mosque or among the worshippers, the administration and the police should be informed immediately.
“All worshippers are requested to fully cooperate with the police and law enforcement agencies so that peace and order can be maintained. The volunteers assigned to the security of mosques should perform their duties with full vigilance and keep an eye on the people entering the mosque.
“The volunteers deployed at the entrances of the mosque should ensure proper surveillance and necessary checking of the worshippers and report any suspicious person to the forecourt police. Parking should be kept at a reasonable distance around the mosque, and the arrangement of vehicles and motorcycles should be kept in an orderly manner.
“All worshippers should be advised to promote peace, brotherhood and tolerance, and not believe any rumour or unverified information. In case of any emergency or suspicious activity, immediately inform the nearest police station or the relevant official.
“Your cooperation is very important in maintaining law and order. Mutual cooperation between the police and the public is the guarantee of a safe society.”
An emergency meeting on law and order in the Commissioner’s Office was chaired by Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Haider Shah, who issued instructions to put security on high alert across the province in view of the national and regional situation.
The home secretary, the Sindh IGP, the health secretary, all commissioners and deputy commissioners attended the meeting. In the meeting, the preparedness of all departments was reviewed in view of the regional situation.
Security has been tightened further and law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert. The chief secretary further directed the authorities to keep control rooms active in all districts and report the situation on a daily basis.
The Sindh government is fully prepared to maintain law and order in all possible situations, said Chief Secretary Shah.
