Security increased at JPMC after ‘terror threat’

Karachi
Security at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) was boosted on Wednesday as intelligence reports warned of serious terror threats against Sindh’s largest tertiary-care hospital.
Security officials said secret agencies had warned of an attack on JPMC by banned militant outfits, which had led to extraordinary security measures at the hospital, particularly the emergency ward.
These measures include a ban on parking in front of the emergency department, with all vehicles removed from the main parking lot. Even ambulances would be allowed in to drop off patients and shall no longer be allowed to park in the area.
The officials told The News that Rangers deployed at the hospital had increased vigilance and, apart from strictly enforcing the new parking restrictions, were also conducting checks at all entrances.
Another important step taken was the deployment of plainclothes personnel in and around the hospital. The officials added that surveillance had been increased in the staff colonies and katchi abadis adjacent to the JPMC as part of efforts to thwart any nefarious terrorist designs.
A senior police official said the threats were taken seriously as the hospital had been previously targeted by terrorists. In an attack on February 5, 2010, an explosion had killed 13 people and injured several others.
Police, JPMC unaware
DIG South Abdul Khalique Sheikh rejected reports of terrorism threats at JPMC or any other hospital in the South Zone.
He claimed the removal of vehicles was part of action being taken to clear out encroachments causing traffic congestion.
JPMC Joint Executive Director Dr Seemin Jamali also said the administration was not aware of any specific threats, but confirmed that law enforcers had tightened security and barred parking near the emergency wing. “Rangers have enhanced security inside the hospital. A checkpoint has been set up within the premises and any motorcycles, private vehicles, rickshaws or taxis – all of which had been a source of great hassle for doctors and patients alike – are not being allowed to park near the emergency department,” she said.