their grounds,” he said.
He added that the zonal DIGs informed Jamali that all SHOs have been issued specific instructions and were preparing lists of all institutions within their jurisdiction. “Once they are identified, we can work on increasing security with the resources available,” he said. The managements of all institutes have been instructed to increase the height of their perimeter walls and install CCTV systems at their respective institutes. Moreover, they have been advised to tighten screening procedure for staff members and security guards in coordination with area SHOs.
Search operations
Peerzada said the zonal DIGs also spoke of plans to form dedicated Counter Assault Teams (CATs) to deal with any attacks. “Under the Disaster Response Program, CATs are being constituted at the zonal and district level to deal with any emergencies.
The teams will comprise police commandos who have been specifically trained in response strategies and emergency evacuation plans,” he said.
The spokesman added that IGP Jamali ordered that operations against terror and criminal elements must be expedited. “Proactive policing remains the key to avert any unfortunate incidents, therefore, we have to improve our intelligence gathering and response mechanism,” he said, quoting the IGP.
As for institutions that have been receiving threat calls, district SSPs were told to conduct thorough search operations in their vicinities.
Zone-specific measures
DIG West Tahir Naveed told The News there were nearly 2,500 schools, colleges and universities under his jurisdiction, all of whom had been issued copies of the SoP in both Urdu and English.
He said the managements of these institutes had been briefed over the possible threats and added that response forces had been set up for immediate assistance.
Similarly, DIG East Munir Sheikh said the managements of the nearly 2,000 educational institutes, which include the NED University and University of Karachi, within his limits had received the SOP finalised by law enforcers.
He said teams have been formed under the direct supervision of SSPs to review security measures at schools, colleges and universities. DIG Sheikh said the administrations have been directed to inform the police regarding measures they undertake such as installation of CCTV systems and screening of staff.
“All SHOs of the area have been told to increase patrolling near the institutions, particularly in the morning and afternoon rush hours. We have also made it clear that no vehicle should be allowed to park near or around the institutes,” he said.
DIG South Abdul Khalique Sheikh, meanwhile, said that he had divided schools into three categories; defence forces schools, missionary schools and high-profile schools, particularly girls’ colleges.
He said meetings were held with the administrations and assured that all possible efforts would be made to protect their institutes.