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Politicians, sensitive installations, media houses possible targets. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD UMAIR/EXPRESS
LAHORE: Authorities in Punjab have warned of possible attacks by the ultra-orthodox Islamic State (IS) against high-profile targets in the province.
The Home Department issued an intelligence-based alert four days ago about the possibility of attacks on important political personalities, and sensitive civil and military installations. The warning also alerts all media houses to remain on guard.
The interior ministry had issued this warning to Punjab, after which the provincial department directed the relevant authorities to take preventive measures, an insider at the home department told The Express Tribune.
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The authorities have asked the divisional police officers and the Counter-Terrorism Department to “ensure extreme vigilance and foolproof security measures at all levels. They were also told to take ‘special measures’ to avoid any untoward incidents.
Citing intelligence reports, the alert warned that police patrols, military vehicles and private establishments were on the hit-list of the militants associated with IS, also known by its Arabic acronym Da’ish.
The home department specifically warned the Allama Iqbal International Airport management to take pre-emptive measures for averting any untoward incidents. Against external threats, the Airport Security Force was directed to remain on standby and enhance security while the Bomb Disposal Squad was told to screen the entire airport area for any explosive devices.
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As for internal threats, the warning letter called for continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras at the facility, especially at the departure and arrival lounges.
The home department also stated that Da’ish militants might target army vehicles, especially on Jalalpur-Jattan Road, and police patrols on GT Road in Gujrat district.
It also directed the police to ensure foolproof security at the offices of all media houses, particularly in Lahore. The authorities also called for arranging safety drills for employees at the media houses in the near future to prepare them for any untoward situation.
Another home department official said while Da’ish was not itself present in Pakistan, its name alluded to factions within the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) inspired by the Middle Eastern terror outfit.
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In another letter for Lahore issued by intelligence agencies, the authorities have been warned that ‘hostile intelligence agencies’ are planning to target Lal Pull near Dharampura, PAF Information Centre Cantt and the Chinese Consulate by “using trained individuals from Afghanistan”.
Intelligence-based reports suggest a high-level meeting of the TTP leadership was held on November 20 in the Kunar province of Afghanistan, where Mullah Fazlullah and Qari Amjad were accompanied by an NDS agent, Noor Karim.
Karim has reportedly handed over Rs20 million to Amjad to target government buildings, like universities and colleges in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Mardan, the letter warned. Amjad has meanwhile tasked some fighters with carrying out terror activities in Bajaur Agency, Swat and Dir.
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The alert further warned that a group of five terrorists had already reached Lahore, and planned to barge into private organisations. The intelligence report claimed that on October 7, militants of Haqqani Network, al Qaeda, Taliban and Da’ish held a meeting in Afghanistan and planned a massive attack on the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan. Around 10 to 12 fighters have been assigned the task.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2015.
Agencies warn of Da’ish-inspired attacks in Punjab - The Express Tribune
