Summary Prime Minister directed to fill the posts as soon as possible.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday approved the recruitment on five hundred forty vacated seats in Airports Security Force (ASF), Dunya News reported.
According to spokesperson Prime Minister House, the recruitment of Assistant Sub Inspector and Constables on five hundred forty vacated seats of the force has been approved.
Prime Minister has directed the training for the force personnel as per the ‘international standards’. He also directed to begin the process as soon as possible.
Security threat:
Airports across the country were put on high alert in the aftermath of recent attacks on Karachi airport and Peshawar airports. A fresh alert was issued again just as the government announced military offensive Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan agency.
ASF serves as the primary security force responsible for airport’s security. Police and ranger personnel are also seen deployed outside or on the routes of the airports. Along with the other measures being taken by the government, filling the vacant posts in the ASF is one such step.
At least one female passenger was killed while flight steward Ijaz Afridi was injured after unknown gunmen opened fire on a Pakistan International Airlines flight while landing at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar on June 25.
According to PIA spokesman, the incident took place as PIA flight PK 756 --en route from Riyadh to Peshawar with around 170 passengers onboard was landing at the airport.
In another attack on Karachi airport’s old terminal that led at least 34 people dead and several injured as some 10 terrorists disguised as security force members infiltrated the airport on June 8 late night. The siege continued for several hours leading the Pakistan army to conduct a joint operation along with police and rangers. The airport was declared clear after a few hours. The investigation reports later revealed terrorists were of Uzbek origin and they infiltrated the airport with the intention of destroying the aircrafts.
Subsequently a case was registered against the banned terrorist outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) who had originally claimed responsibility.
Taliban termed the attack a revenge of their former chief Hakimullah Mehsud’s killing.
In the aftermath of the attacks on Karachi and Peshawar airports, the airports across the country were put on red alert with deployment of additional forces.
The development also saw international airlines including Cathay Pacific winding up operations in Pakistan, Emirates, Etihad and Saudi Arabian Airlines suspended their flight operations at the Peshawar airport. Qatar Airlines had also suspended the Peshawar flights which were resumed earlier today (Thursday).
Zarb-e-Azb updates:
The ground operation phase of Zarb-e-Azb continues successfully as the forces advances after crushing militant hideouts. More check posts have been established near Miranshah bazaar.
Pakistan Army is continuing to advance in the military operation against terrorists. Reportedly, the ground operation is achieving more than anticipated results.
Forces have tightened the surrounding of the terrorists’ hideouts on various points.
Pakistan Army continues to destroy the militant hideouts. The aerial surveillance of the affected areas is also being carried out.
