Army called in to beef up security at Pakistani airports

Islamabad, June 28 (IANS) In the wake of incessant militant attacks at airports across the country this month, Pakistan's army and paramilitary forces Saturday have now been given charge of security at the airports in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar, a media report Saturday said.

The forces would assist Airport Security Forces (ASF) in effectively securing airports and surrounding areas.

"A joint security plan has been devised in consultation with corps commanders of the Pakistan army under which security of the funnel area of major airports as well as installations has been given to the army," Dawnonline quoted special assistant to PM Shujaat Azeem as saying.

Azeem said the military along with paramilitary forces Rangers would be clearing and securing adjoining areas of major airports because such areas could come under security threat.

Gunmen fired at a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane as it landed in Peshawar's International Airport Tuesday, killing a woman on board and injuring three crew members.

He said the PIA aircraft has been repaired and is back on flight operations.

On June 8, militants stormed Pakistan's biggest Jinnah International Airport in Karachi in an hours-long siege that left dozens dead and injured.

Earlier this week, a passenger plane carrying an anti-government preacher, Tahirul Qadri, was diverted at the last minute from Islamabad to Lahore following violent clashes on the ground between his supporters and police.