Pak steps up security ahead of SAARC summit

The Pakistani capital would be sealed off completely from tomorrow with army helicopters making surveillance sorties round the clock and 4000 policemen keeping strict vigil to ensure foolproof security during the SAARC summit to be attended among others by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from January four.

"After reviewing various reports from intelligence agencies, we have decided to seal off Islamabad from Tuesday.

All entry points to Islamabad and the motorway will be brought under strict surveillance," Interior Minister Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat told a press conference here yesterday.

He said around 4000 police officials under the command of a superintendent of police would be deployed for the three-day summit of the seven-member grouping.

About the security cover for Vajpayee, he said the Indian leader will bring his own security. "We will also provide special security arrangements for him." Army helicopters would be making aerial surveillance of Islamabad round the clock. The Army has already taken position on the hills overlooking Islamabad as part of the security arrangements.

The capital has been divided into three security zones wherein the area hosting official delegates from Marriott Hotel to Serena Hotel had been declared a red zone.

Regretting inconvenience to the people due to the strict security arrangements, Hayat said "a slight security lapse can defame the country and the government will not allow it."

Islamabad, December 29, 2003 (PTI)