KARACHI, 16 October 2003 — The Sindh provincial Cabinet approved the deployment of 7,000 policemen to guard diplomatic missions, businesses and places of worship in the main commercial city of Karachi yesterday after warning against terrorist strikes. The Cabinet also approved one hundred additional vehicles for police stations in Karachi.
“There is a fear of terrorism in Karachi,” said Aftab Sheikh, adviser on security to the chief minister of the province of Sindh, where Karachi is located.
“We have increased security at all diplomatic missions, businesses and places of worship.”
Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city with a population of 14 million, has a history of violence against Westerners, government officials and religious minorities.
Last year, a suicide attack at the US Consulate in Karachi killed 12 Pakistanis, while another such assault outside the Sheraton Hotel killed 11 French engineers working on a submarine project, as well as three Pakistanis.
Salahuddin Haider, Sindh government spokesman, said provincial police chief Syed Kamal Shah had informed the provincial Cabinet on Tuesday about the risk of more suicide bomb attacks or other violence in Karachi.
“Although the security situation has improved, there is a fear, an apprehension of terrorism. Anything can happen,” Haider said.
“Not just foreign missions, but even multinationals could be possible targets. We don’t want to take chances.”
Aftab said the risk of violence increased after last week’s assassination in Islamabad of Maulana Azam Tariq, leader of the outlawed Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP).
His supporters have blamed militants belonging to the rival sect for the killing, and have vowed revenge if the government fails to punish the culprits.
Intelligence officials say that militants belonging to SSP, which is now operating under the name Millat-e-Islamia, have been involved in much of the violence in Karachi in the past.
SSP also had ties with the Taleban militia in Afghanistan.
“The government is determined to protect the people and maintain law and order which is vital to attract investment and boost the economy,” Aftab said. “We cannot afford any new assaults.”
The Karachi police force of around 29,000 was short of manpower and resources, he said. “But whatever resources and men we have at our disposal, we are putting them to best use.”
Haider said the number of policemen deployed for guard duties and patrolling had been doubled.
The extra men have been transferred from police stations where they had been responsible for fighting routine crime, he said.
“Karachi police have also installed hidden cameras at key places,” he said. “Police are also being provided 100 more vehicles for patrolling.”
