Government tighten security, E-Tag now mandatory for vehicles entering Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to ban the entry of vehicles without electronic tags (E-tags) into Islamabad, following the recent suicide blast near the Judicial Complex that claimed 12 lives and injured several others.

Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry announced a series of new security restrictions in the federal capital on Thursday while addressing a press conference outside Parliament, accompanied by IG Islamabad Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon.

Talal Chaudhry said the government will launch a “Secure Neighborhood Survey,” the first of its kind to enhance public safety and ensure a more secure Islamabad.

“The purpose of this survey is to enable Islamabad authorities to know who is residing or working in every house, shop, and office,” he said.

He also announced that the government will make electronic vehicle tags (E-tags) mandatory for all vehicles entering Islamabad in the next phase.

“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 measures come in the wake of a suicide attack near the Judicial Complex on Tuesday, which claimed at least 12 lives and left more than a dozen others injured.

Security sources identified the suicide bomber as an Afghan national and confirmed that the facilitator linked to the attack was from Bajaur district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities traced and arrested the suspect during a search operation after the blast.

Police sources said that investigators have detained five suspects from different areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Authorities are currently determining the extent of their involvement and assistance to the suicide bomber.

Investigations have revealed that the suicide bomber arrived at the district courts on a motorcycle booked through a ride-hailing service. Authorities have also taken the bike rider into custody for questioning.

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