Security plan chalked out for Raisi’s visit

ISLAMABAD: A detailed security plan has been chalked out for visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, arriving in Pakistan on Monday, April 22, interior ministry sources said on Saturday.

An team of the Iranian president security squad has already reached Pakistan to review the measures taken by Pakistan’s security agencies, sources said.

The Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs shaped the security plan with the assistance of security and intelligence agencies in the wake of ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the sources said, adding that almost all law-enforcement agencies, National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and intelligence agencies would contribute to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the visit of the guest.

“Police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Anti-Terrorist Squad, Rangers, constabularies and other paramilitary forces would take an active part to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the visit of the Iranian president,” sources added.

The Iranian president would be circled by security personnel in the inner-most security tier, they added.

Two high-level meetings, presided over by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, have been held during the last two days. Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri-Moghaddam met the interior minister and discussed security related issues with him. He was informed about the security plan designed for the Iranian president, the ministry sources said.

Meanwhile, in the security meeting, different aspect of measures taken to counter any problematic situation were discussed and it was decided that each and every feature, which could breach the security, would be taken care of.

“Air surveillance and covering surrounding hilly areas including Margalla Hills Range, high-rise buildings, mule tracks, vegetation growths and jungle areas would be covered,” the sources added.

According to sources, there would be cessation of internet for a short span of time during the movement of the guest. However, the decision in this regard could be taken according to the situation, they added.

They said that the security team of Iranian president was already in town and had paid a visit to the Nur Khan Airbase where the guest would land and be given a warm welcome upon his arrival in the country.

Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, during his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, termed the visit of Iranian president imperative for improvement of relations between the two countries, a press statement, issued by the interior ministry, said. The interior minister said both the countries had to perform together for elimination of terrorism and to meet other mutual challenges.