The Special Security Force (SSF) plans to introduce new dimension of security system besides enhancing safety measures for VIPs following the recent terror attacks in Mumbai and Islamabad.
The SSF is holding series of meetings with the law-enforcement and intelligence agencies to decide about long and short-term measures to ensure foolproof security of four VIPs — the president, the chief adviser, and former premiers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, says an official.
Contacted, SSF Director General Maj Gen Ashraf Abdullah Yussuf told The Daily Star: “We’re not only increasing the number of security personnel but also working for some qualitative improvement in our system.”
The recent Mumbai terror attacks have made the law-enforcers and security personnel concerned about security in the country, prompting them to review the existing security measures.
The forces also take into account the massive car bombing at the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistan capital Islamabad in September that left several dozens killed.
A top official of a law-enforcement agency says they have already enhanced security following the Mumbai attacks and the SSF has also beefed up the VIPs’ security.
Intelligence agencies are responsible to provide intelligence support required for the SSF to ensure VIPs’ security. The special force thinks it is time to increase the intelligence activities of the agencies along with its own intelligence.
“We’re very much serious about the issue and holding discussions with the agencies concerned to chalk out necessary tasks in this regard,” said Gen Ashraf.
He added they are also scrutinising which tasks should be done immediately.
The SSF is also bringing some changes to its existing standing operating procedures, he said.
Citing an example, he said they used to sweep 500 yards around a venue where VIPs would visit, but now they have decided to sweep one thousand yards.
Despite sweeping system the attackers stored arms and explosives in Mumbai’s luxury hotels — the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi. Keeping this in mind the SSF is also planning for stronger sweeping procedures.
In the same way from the experience of the car bomb attack in Marriott Hotel in Islamabad the Force would be more restricted about vehicles near the venues.
Moreover, it would also take some measures keeping in mind the attackers might introduce new styles of attack.
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