Islamabad - Heightened security checks are coming to Islamabad Heliport after reports of unidentified individuals roaming in the vicinity and inquiring about the details of the heliport from the security staff, The Nation has learnt reliably.
The act of the unidentified individuals has triggered panic and concern amongst the authorities responsible for the security of the heliport. The heliport, currently covering 23 acres of land, is managed by Pakistan Army and used by country’s prime minister and other government VIPs.
According to a letter written by secretary cabinet to the secretary interior, a copy of which is exclusively available with The Nation, the Cabinet Division received an alert from 6-Aviation Squadron on October 18, 2015 whereby the Commanding Officer 6-Aviation Squadron informed that some unidentified individuals have been noticed inquiring about the details including the location of Islamabad Heliport from the security staff of polo ground situated just opposite to the facility. He termed it a matter of great concern adding it required vigilance at all levels.
The letter also featured recommendations from the 6-Aviation Squadron on how to improve security of the heliport. It recommended to the interior ministry that joint patrolling of Rangers and police along heliport with halting points on the road passing in front of the heliport be ensured.
Furthermore, it recommended combing/ search operations in adjacent shrine and jungle all along heliport randomly; hanging around security arrangements in the vicinity of Adventure Inn, Sports Complex and Heliport; and verification of labourers performing duty in the heliport and surrounding areas. The recommendations also include patrolling outside the heliport premises by police in addition to formulation of check post at Murree Road and China check post to check unnecessary traffic towards Garden Avenue.
The heliport is surrounded by a vast jungle which makes it difficult for the security personnel to monitor the activities of suspects in the vicinity.
The secretary cabinet has requested the secretary interior that the recommendations may be given careful consideration on urgent basis and necessary measures be taken in order to ensure the security of the Heliport by utilizing all available resources.
The tragic events of recent past have put Pakistani authorities on high alert when it comes to security of sensitive installations including the country airports.