By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police said on Monday the security situation in the capital was under control and denied media reports that universities had been closed indefinitely due to threats ahead of next month’s elections.
Police chief Akbar Nasir said in a video statement that there was no need for residents to panic or disrupt their daily routines, and urged them to follow the police’s social media accounts for updates.
He said there was a ban on illegal gatherings in Islamabad and those who tried to hold such events had been warned of the risks.
“Despite this, we provide them security. But the provision of security is a two-sided process and we will need your cooperation in it.”
The statement came after some TV channels and media outlets reported that educational institutions in Islamabad had been shut down for an unspecified period due to security alert.
Islamabad is already on high alert due to the upcoming general elections and ongoing protests by ethnic Baloch activists at the press club, demanding the release of their missing relatives.
Pakistan is due to hold general elections on Feb. 8 amid a surge in militant attacks that have raised fears of violence and disruption.
Earlier this month, an independent candidate was killed in a gun attack in the restive North Waziristan region.
Last week, top government and security officials assured the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of their readiness to hold the elections and deal with any situation.
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