ISLAMABAD: Diplomatic Enclave was partially sealed on Monday and a contingent of law enforcers and paramilitary troops was deployed there for security of foreign missions, diplomats and their staff.

Officers of the capital administration and police said that security measures were taken to counter the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik’s march towards the capital and the enclave. On Jan 11, 2021 the representatives from the right-wing group and the government had agreed upon discussing contents of an earlier agreement – made between both sides – in parliament on April 20.

The agreement made in January was signed by federal ministers Pir Noorul Haq Qadri and Sheikh

Rasheed Ahmed and Ghulam Ghous, Dr Mohammd Shafiq Amini, Ghulam Abbas Faizi, and Mohammad Umair Ludhianvi.

However, the chief of TLP was arrested in Lahore, which led to violent protests and sit-ins all over the country by members of the politic-religious party.

TLP’s leaders and activists may stage protests or sit-in, besides, march towards Islamabad and Diplomatic Enclave on April 20 or later which is why security measures, including partially sealing the enclave were taken, the officials added.

Over 100 containers were placed around the Convention centre and entries to the enclave were sealed, they said, adding some containers were also placed along the roadside at Faizabad bridge Negotiation between the government and TLP’s leader is in progress, they added.

So far, no directives regarding security measures have been received by the government, they said, adding other entry points of the capital will be sealed if the government says so.

The traffic police has issued an alert for motorists in case and alternative routes have been identified for residents of the capital and Rawalpindi, they said, adding traffic is being diverted towards the Ninth Avenue signal on I.J. Principal Road.

Murree Road will be sealed from Dhok Jillani Bridge, Expressway from Rawat T-Cross, Srinagar Highway and I.J. Principal Road besides, Red Zone will also be partially sealed if necessary, they added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Operations Afzaal Ahmed Kousar on Monday visited different areas of the city and reviewed security arrangements in place during Ramazan.

The DIG visited Karachi Company, Bhara Kahu, Bani Gala, CTD police stations and other points of the city. He met with on-duty officials, listened to their issues and inspected the police record.

Furthermore, he inspected the premises of police stations and lockups.

Speaking on the occasion, he said Islamabad police is the best of the country and urged personnel to work in cohesion to achieve the desired results.

DIG Kousar also directed officers to take care of the needs of personnel.

He asked the officials to respect visitors and facilitate them to the best of their abilities.

He told officials to adopt a ‘free registration of crime policy’ and immediately report a matter whenever an applicant approaches the police station.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2021