SECURITY has been increased at the Pakistan Embassy following threats from anti-government protesters. Sources confirmed staff had received intimidating letters, e-mails and phone calls, which first started during last year’s unrest.

The exact nature of the threats or which group was responsible has not been revealed, but it is understood the Saudi Embassy has also been targeted.

“Pakistan was one of the embassies that was directly threatened through e-mails, letters and phone calls,” said sources.

“It happened during the unrest and following the crisis, at regular intervals.

“The embassy had to enhance security with extra guards and barbed wire.”

Nearly 2,000 Pakistani citizens have reportedly been injured in attacks by anti-government protesters during the unrest due to the fact that many work in the police and for Bahrain’s security forces.

At least four policemen of Pakistan origin have also died during clashes with protesters since the unrest last February, the latest being Ghulam Mustafa Faiz Ahmed, 24, who suffered burn injuries during a firebomb attack in Karzakan in April.

He died while receiving treatment abroad just days after 19-year-old Imran Ahmed Mohammed Mustafa Saeed also died as a result of a bomb explosion in Eker on October 19.

Pakistan Embassy officials declined to comment on the threats, but Ambassador Jauhar Saleem said there was no panic among the community, which is one of the largest among expatriates at around 100,000.

“The number of Pakistanis here has remained stable during and after the crisis,” he said.

“Pakistani diaspora was targeted in the past, however, that has not deterred them from playing their important role in the economy and security of Bahrain.

“There are families that have been here for 70 to 80 years – long before the official independence of Bahrain in 1971.

“Pakistanis have played pioneering roles in many government institutions as well as the private sector.

“A significant number of Pakistanis are playing a significant role in the financial services sector, construction, textiles and other industries and Pakistanis have the highest number of businesses amongst expatriates.”

No figures were available about how many Pakistanis have submitted claims to a BD10 million fund to compensate expatriates whose relatives were killed or injured during the unrest.

But Mr Saleem called for the authorities to speed up the process.

“We feel more attention could help in resolving these issues,” he said. “On its part the embassy endeavours to resolve whatever problems lie at its end as well as taking up matters with the authorities concerned.”

Meanwhile, Mr Saleem said the embassy was considering setting up an awareness campaign following the death of seven Pakistanis on Bahrain’s roads since the start of the year – the second highest fatality rate.

“The fact that many Pakistanis have suffered fatal accidents calls for more educated and restrained driving,” he said.

“We are looking at the possibility of undertaking a campaign to promote safe driving habits among the Pakistani diaspora.

“I am confident that the Bahraini authorities will also undertake the required steps, whether that involves improving infrastructure or applying stringent standards of educating the driving public as well as pedestrians in terms of safety rules and regulations.”

geoff@gdn.com.bh