British HC in Pakistan Closed due to Terror Threats
Pakistan Times Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The British High Commission in Islamabad has been shut down and US Independence Day celebrations here at American Embassy were cancelled amid credible threats of terrorist attacks.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Khan said here at a news conference confirmed that British High Commission had been closed down “temporarily” because there was a “credible and specific” threat of a terrorist attack.

He also confirmed that a function here at US Embassy to celebrate the American Independence Day, falls on July 4, had been cancelled.

“There was a specific and credible threats against the US and British interests here in Pakistan,” he disclosed.

No cause of Worry

However, he insisted there was no cause of worry as Pakistan government has taken all precautionary measures to ensure the security of foreign missions particularly American and British.

The spokesman maintained that security has been beefed up around British and US missions in the capital and all possible steps were being taken to thwart terrorist attacks.

Meanwhile, sources disclosed that British and US missions had received threats from unidentified groups to blow up their embassies prompting Pakistan government to take extra security measures.

Extra check points have been set up in the already tight Diplomatic Enclave while every vehicle coming to the capital are being screened thoroughly.

High Alert Security Set-off

A red alert has been declared around diplomatic enclave and the number of security personnel have been doubled at all the pickets.

Senior Superintendent of Police [SSP], Security Division Inam Ghani told 'Pakistan Times' Monday that security has been tightened around Diplomatic Enclave to ensure their full protection.

Anti Terrorist Squad

At the same time, anti Terrorist Squad of security division is on alert and patrolling to ensure complete safety in and around the diplomatic enclave.

Inam said the security has been enhanced after a specific threat was received by the British High Commission.

Steps for Sensitive Places

Meanwhile, Islamabad police spokesman said that Police commandos equipped with sophisticated weapons and wireless sets have been deployed at all other sensitive places in the capital.

The DSPs and SHOs of all police stations have been instructed for patrolling in their respective jurisdictions and general hold up might be observed in capital during the next 24 hours, he said.

Police have been also alerted at the entry and exit points of the capital and directed to check the suspected persons, he added.●