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Suicide scare: Terror refuses to budge in twin cities

By Aamir Yasin

ISLAMABAD: Fear and panic ran through Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday shortly after a suicide bomber blew himself at the gate of Police Special Branch office near Sitara Market in G-7 Markaz, killing one policeman and injuring several others.

It was the second suicide bomb blast in a week in twin cities. Last Monday, a suicide bomber blew himself up at Pirwadhai Morr, killing at least 15 people and injuring about 22 others.

The frequency and intensity of these attacks speaks volumes of negligence on part of the security agencies, which seem focused on merely making tall claims.

Sound of the blast rocked the surroundings. People gathered on the spot were constantly receiving calls from their dear ones to reassure their safety.

The large crowd that gathered there hindered rescuers as onlookers were not ready to stay back.

In panic, shopkeepers closed down their shops at Sitara Market and adjoining areas, bringing commercial activities to a halt. In moments, the blast became talk of the town, people discussing it at every corner. Conspiracy theories started to pop up all of sudden.

Security forces came into action and increased patrol in every part of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Rangers sealed Sitara Market. Extra police force was deployed at all entry and exist points of both cities.

“I was at my shop when I heard the blast. It knocked me down. I could not restore my senses for few moments before I got up and ran for shelter,” Muhammad Ramzan, a shopkeeper close to the blast site, narrated his experience so.

Saleem Khan, owner of cigarette shop, said the blast terrified him and scared his customers away. “For some time, I was unable to move,” he said.

Traffic police divert vehicles from Sitara Market and put them on alternative routes. Babar Awan, Dr Israr Shah and higher police officials were quick to visit the crime scene. People were concerned more for their security than the minds behind the attacks.

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