Islamabad, November 24 (IANS). The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has warned of a possible terrorist attack targeting the protest march of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
An alert issued on Thursday, which appeared in the media on Saturday, cited information from multiple sources, The Express Tribune reported. It was told that terrorists of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have entered Pakistan from Afghanistan and have infiltrated into major cities.
NACTA identified the group as Fitnah al-Khawarij, formerly known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These terrorists had allegedly entered Pakistan through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on the night of 19-20 November.
The authority warned that terrorists could use PTI’s public meeting as an opportunity to attack.
In response, security measures have been significantly strengthened across the capital, with officials instructed to remain alert and remain safe from any potential threats.
According to The Express Tribune report, earlier on Saturday, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi had contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gauhar. During this he had informed that the government will not allow any kind of protests or rallies in Islamabad during the visit of the high-level Belarusian delegation.
Naqvi cited security concerns as the reason for this decision.
The delegation led by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is scheduled to visit from November 24 to 27.
Ahead of the PTI protests on 24 November, the government imposed Section 144 across Punjab for three days and deployed thousands of security personnel in Islamabad. Authorities have sealed Srinagar Highway, GT Road and major routes leading to the red zone connecting to Islamabad Airport.
Containers have been placed at several entry points, while Rangers, police and Frontier Corps personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations, especially around D-Chowk.
Other precautionary measures include partial suspension of internet and mobile services in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Public transport such as metro bus services have been stopped in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Additionally, all bus terminals in Faizabad have been barricaded to prevent security breaches during protests and high-profile travel.
The increased security reflects the government’s concerns about ensuring public safety amid a potential terrorist threat and rising tensions in the capital.
–IANS
PSK/AS
