Foreign diplomats in Pak demand improved security around embassies

Islamabad, Sept 27 : Amid the growing insure atmosphere in Pakistan in the wake of fresh spate of suicide bombings, nearly 120 foreign diplomats posted in Islamabad have urged upon the country's government to take stringent measures to protect their lives and properties.

They emphasized the need for better security cover around the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad which houses over 35 embassies, and demanded that security should be beefed up around their embassies especially those situated in residential areas.

The meeting, presided over by advisor to the prime minister, Rehman Malik, was convened on the demand of diplomats who said they were feeling "insecure" in the country in the backdrop of the suicide bombing at the Marriott Hotel. ver the past few days, some of the foreign missions have closed down their visa sections and new travel advisories have been issued by their governments, warning diplomats working in Pakistan. The government has already asked all foreign missions located in residential areas to immediately shift to the Diplomatic Enclave.

At the meeting, the envoys were briefed about the establishment of a new diplomatic enclave beside the existing one to accommodate more embassies.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to further boost security in the Capital, the Islamabad administration prohibited the entry of trucks without route permits. Vehicles owners with valid route permits of other districts have been directed to get them endorsed by the ITA secretary by September 30.

ANI