LAHORE – Monday’s terrorist attack on Ferozepur Road near Arfa Karim IT Tower has raised questions about the ‘foolproof’ security arrangements in the capital city of Pakistan’s most populated province.
At least 20 people were killed and thirty others wounded in an explosion, suspected to be a suicide bombing.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/six-injured-in-explosion-near-arfa-karim-tower-lahore/
Lahore police chief Capt (R) Amin Wains said the “target of the blast was police”. He also confirmed that it was a suicide blast.
Interior Ministry and intelligence agencies had on Friday issued a security alert for Lahore before the blast near Arfa Karim Tower Ferozepur Road on Monday.
Security had been heightened at the churches and police headquarters across the provincial metropolis amid Taliban threats.
Security measures were taken to thwart the designs of terrorists after intelligence reports indicating possible suicide bomb attacks on churches and offices of the law enforcement agency.
Police sources had said that terrorists belonging to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) riding on a motorcycle could hit the vehicle or convoy of top police officers in the big cities. The police department has issued a circular to the regional, district, and city police officers and directed them to ensure foolproof security arrangements for police officers, offices, and the headquarters.
The police were also directed to set up surprise pickets on city roads to check and intercept the movement of militants. Hundreds of police on Sunday were seen busy in security operations across the metropolis. Heavy police contingents were also deployed at churches to ensure foolproof security for the minorities.
Capital city police officer Muhammad Amin Wains on Sunday visited different churches and key government installations to check police deployment.
