ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Pakistani security officials say erecting checkpoints across the country aids in the counter-terrorism effort, but the public perception varies.

Pakistan launched a major crackdown earlier this month to respond to growing threats from the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

Police say the checkpoints peppering the country are effective tools to track and capture terrorists. Security officials claim they have arrested more than 55 insurgents throughout the country; however, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reports none of them were apprehended at checkpoints.

The Dawn report complains that Pakistani police only respond at checkpoints when alerted by intelligence officials. This is a public concern for those commuters stuck in line at the various security outposts erected throughout the country, the report says.

Last week, while police chased one insurgent at a remote outpost, his accomplice detonated his explosives in front of security officials.

Motorists told Dawn they were afraid to wait in line because police negligence could put them at significant risk if such as event were to happen at a busy throughway.

Dawn notes that while public awareness is needed to thwart the insurgency, the confidence in security officials is waning.

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