Pakistan - Curfew imposed on area near Badhaber airbase

Security forces have imposed a curfew in Shalozan Colony near Scheme Chowk, adjacent to Badhaber airbase.

“A few days ago announcements were made on loudspeakers, saying there would be a curfew in place from 10pm to 6am and that everyone had to abide by it,” a local told The Express Tribune. “As a security measure, the area has been under curfew for the last three days.”

He added the restriction has been imposed by the security forces responsible to protect the base the police have nothing to do with the decision.

When contacted, an official of Badhaber police station said the base has its own security system; the police has nothing to do with the curfew. “We know about it but we have nothing to do with it.”

“The area had been cleared of militant hideouts, but militants had escaped to Afghanistan and were operating from there.”

He added the clashes between militants and police are history now but the former can plan and execute their activities from Afghanistan. “Nonetheless our crackdown against anti-social elements in the area is still going on.”

The official said since the Badhaber airbase attack, they have carried out four operations. “In some of them we were assisted by the security forces and arrested at least 150 suspects from different areas,” he added, saying they have also increased their patrols in the area.