Karachi airport to 'enforce' strict entry rules for visitors

Visitors accompanying passengers to Karachi airport will now be required to carry a copy of the airline ticket amid security concerns, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing well-placed sources.

The recent security protocols were introduced following a terrorist attack on Chinese nationals near Karachi airport, which was facilitated from inside the airport.

A meeting was held to discuss increasing security measures, attended by representatives from security agencies, police, Airport Security Force (ASF), and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Vigilance.

As per details, citizens coming to see off or receive travelers at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, will have to present the ticket if requested by security personnel, with each passenger allowed a maximum of four companions.

Individuals without a ticket copy will not be permitted access to the Karachi airport premises. Additionally, those receiving passengers must carry their original Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) for identification with the ticket.

Private taxi drivers and vehicles will no longer be allowed to enter the airport’s premises. Additionally, iron gates will be installed at the airport’s entrances, which will be jointly monitored by police, Rangers, ASF, and CAA vigilance.

Bomb detection devices, CCTV cameras, and barriers will be installed at the airport’s main entrances. While a special area will be designated to stop any suspicious vehicles.

The authorities also decided that only one person will be allowed to accompany a passenger to the airport, except in the case of elderly passengers, where two people will be permitted.

A dedicated lane for passenger vehicles will be created, and employees working within the airport area will also be checked when entering and exiting their offices. Employees from both government and private institutions will be required to show their office cards to enter the airport premises. Those without office cards will be prohibited from entering.

Earleir addressing a joint press conference with IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar lauded the swift action of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Sindh police in tracing the suspects and facilitators in the attack on Chinese nationals.

Lanjar said the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility of the Karachi airport blast.

He said Rs7.1 million was transferred to a bank account of a person named Saeed through a bank employee named Bilal to buy the vehicle in Karachi for the attack.

The car was brought from a showroom in Karachi and was possibly moved to Balochistan or any other area away from Karachi for explosives.