Reeling from counter-terror measures: Extremely annoying security checks

[Naveed Yaseen]

* Motorists say long wait for clearance at police pickets irritating
* Fear terrorists may target long queues of vehicles

By Fazal Sher

ISLAMABAD: Motorists object to the security checks placed by police in the capital city, billing them extremely exasperating.

They say it’s really a nuisance having to wait for clearance by policemen at checkpoints.

As stated by a motorist, “they stop vehicles, make people wait for quite some time and examine vehicles without security gadgets. All this serves no purpose but is a constant source of irritation.”

Sardar Tariq, a lawyer, told Daily Times on Monday that police should place metal detectors on every entry and exit point to the city.

“This security check will prevent motorists and passengers from botheration and thwart terror plans,” he said. He said motorists had to stop at check posts for long stretch to get security clearance.

He feared terrorists might target long queues of vehicles at checkpoints.

The lawyer said police should be equipped with modern security devices to counter terrorism.

Khurram Shahzad, a motorist, said police lacked equipment and training to detect terrorists.

“I don’t think terrorism could be countered through the security checks put in place by police,” he said.

According to him, police check only the vehicles driven by those sporting beards or dressed badly.

He said installation of scanners at the city’s entry and exit points would save the city from terrorists.

Ali Raza, another citizen, said security checks should not trouble road users.

He said policemen manning checkpoints should be equipped with sophisticated weapons to thwart terror designs.

Kashif, a government employee, said traditional security measures harassed people instead of protecting their life and property.

“I don’t think a few policemen could identify explosives laden vehicles among lots of automobiles at a check post,” he said.

A police official said growing acts of terrorism had forced them into creating pickets for the safety of public life and property. “We have no other option,” he said.

The official said capital police had requested the Interior Ministry for supply of sophisticated equipments to detect terrorists. He also complained police were short on manpower.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg11_1