QUETTA: Security has been beefed up in the provincial capital Quetta and other restive parts of Balochistan Saturday in the aftermath of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud’s killing.

An intelligence official, who requested not to be named since he was not authorised to speak to the media, told Dawn.com that security forces were placed on a high alert to avoid occurrence of any untoward incident.

Apart from police and Balochistan Constabulary, personnel of Frontier Corps were also deployed at all sensitive parts of Quetta, he said. Security was tightened at all entry and exit points of the city and patrolling was also increased to avoid occurrence of any terrorist attack.

“We are taking pre-emptive measures to ensure peace,” he explained.

The government of Balochistan has already doubled security arrangements in the wake of fast approaching holy month of Muharram in the province.

Home Secretary Balochistan, Asad Gailani told Dawn.com that around 8,000 police and paramilitary troops will be deployed in Quetta alone during the Islamic month celebrated mainly by minority Shia Muslims of the country. “There would be aerial surveillance of Ashura processions,” he said.

Plagued by growing sectarian violence mainly against Shia Hazara community and attacks of Baloch separatists, Balochistan has witnessed worst incidents of suicide attacks and high profile targeted killings and kidnappings in the recent past.

Six people of the community were killed and one injured when gunmen opened indiscriminate fire at their vehicle in the Mach area of Bolan district on Friday also.

The TTP has also made claims of major suicide bombings. Similarly Baloch armed groups have claimed to carry out major attacks against the security forces and the government personalities.