Entry to capital free for all

[LRE]

Entry to capital free for all

ISLAMABAD: The federal capital has long been hotbed for terrorist activities but the police seemed preferring looking the other way, which came to light by the public concern on ‘no thorough checking’ of vehicles and people on the entry points to the city. The panicked citizens told Daily Times on Saturday that the police manning various entry and exit points did not focus on ensuring that the vehicles crossing into the city were scanned properly. Rather they directed or misdirected their energies on checking the vehicles leaving the city, to the extent of harassment in most cases, said the people. The checkpoints are set up mainly at Agha Shahi Avenue, G-10, Kashmir Highway, G-11, and Damn-e-Koh Road in a way that causes traffic jams. “If you are not well dressed and travelling in an old vehicle, you will be definitely stopped by the police while leaving the city. The cops will use foul language and allow you to go out after taking at least Rs 100 as bribe,” Ghulam Qadir, driver of a chicken delivery van, said. He alleged that the police were more interested in taking bribe than insuring security and checking the vehicles. Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Arif, in charge of Bhara Kahu checkpoint, said the check post was established on orders of SSP Ahmad Latif. The people visiting Damn-e-Koh have complained that police officials usually harassed them at the check post. “They not only stop you, but also harass you. If you were with family, they would shamelessly ask your relationship with the women sitting in your vehicle. The next question would be what is in the water bottle?” Pirzada Hafeez said. atif khan

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...008_pg11_7