Pakistan to boost airport security with upgraded surveillance system

The Pakistan Government has confirmed plans to invest $12.6m to modernise the security surveillance systems deployed at all its international airports, amid increased militant attacks on airports.

The plan involves installation of a perimeter security surveillance system, procurement of security vehicle dragoon-II and bulletproof sentry post.

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) secretary Ali Gardezi was quoted by The Express Tribune as saying: "Heavy contingents of law enforcement agencies have already been deployed on airports in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta.

"Twenty-five vehicles have been procured from Heavy Industries Textile at the cost of $12.1m.

"Fifty bulletproof sentry posts with air-conditioner are being provided to Airport Security Force (ASF) at the cost of $116,961. Media persons, vans and visitors’ entrance have also been restricted."

In June, militants armed with grenades reportedly stormed the Pakistan’s largest and busiest Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, leaving more than 20 people dead.

During the attack, a building within the airport was under fire, while no planes were damaged.

Gardezi noted: "Though the ASF played its role effectively to secure the installation at the airport and many of its soldiers were killed."