ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced a ban on vehicles without electronic tags (E-tags) entering Islamabad, following the recent suicide attack near the Judicial Complex that killed 12 people and injured several others.
Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry shared the new security measures during a press conference outside Parliament on Thursday, joined by IG Islamabad Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon.
Chaudhry said the government will launch a “Secure Neighborhood Survey”, the first of its kind, aimed at improving public safety and making Islamabad more secure.
“The purpose of this survey is to enable Islamabad authorities to know who is residing or working in every house, shop, and office,” he explained.
He further stated that electronic vehicle tags will be made mandatory for all vehicles entering the capital.
“No vehicle will be allowed entry into the federal capital without an E-tag. This will help authorities monitor every vehicle’s movement and strengthen the city’s security mechanism,” the minister added.
The new measures come after Tuesday’s suicide attack near the Judicial Complex, which left at least 12 people dead and several injured.
Security sources said the suicide bomber has been identified as an Afghan national, while a facilitator connected to the attack hailed from Bajaur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The suspect was arrested during a search operation following the blast.
Police added that five suspects have been detained from different areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are examining their level of involvement and support for the suicide bomber.
Investigators found that the bomber arrived at the district courts on a motorcycle booked through a ride-hailing service. The bike rider has also been taken into custody for questioning.