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Rawalpindi bleeds

* 4th terrorist strike in twin cities in one month
* Security on high alert
* All entry, exit points being closely watched

By Aamir Yasin

RAWALPINDI: The suicide bomb attack near a branch of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) at Shalimar Plaza terrorised residents of the garrison city.

It was the fourth suicide bomb blast in a month in twin cities. On October 5, a suicide bomber blew himself up at World Food Programme offices, killing at least five people including a foreigner and injuring about eight others. On October 10, General Headquarter (GHQ) was attacked and on October 20, the terrorist struck International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), leaving over six dead and 31 injured.

Soon after the blast, a large number of people madly rushed towards educational institutions situated near the bank to take their children back home. The people were seen exchanging messages to warn their relations of potential dangers. Gates of educational institutes were closed and students were not allowed to leave educational institutions alone.

In panic, shopkeepers closed down shops at Lal Kurti Bazaar and adjoining areas, bringing commercial activities to a halt. The police and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) immediately cordoned off the area, even denying media access to the site.

Security forces came into action and increased patrolling in every part of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Army troops sealed the whole length of the slip road running parallel to Shalimar Plaza.

“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,” Abdul Razaq, a shopkeeper at Lal Kurti Bazaar, told Daily Times.

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

Traffic police diverted vehicles from TM Chowk on The Mall and Kachari Chowk and put them on alternative routes. Rawalpindi Commissioner Zahid Saeed, DCO Imdadullah Bosal and higher police officials were quick to visit the crime scene.

Mehboob Ahmed, a resident of Lalkurti, said the suicide attacker could hit any place if he entered that area. He questioned why the government was not making a strong plan to get rid of terrorists. Imtiaz Shah, a resident of Sarwar Road, said suicide attacks had became order of the day and innocent people were dying but the government was not doing enough.

Malik Akram, a government employee, said due to the security threats, people were not sending their children to schools. He said no public place was secure and terrorists had forced them indoors.

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