The National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a threat alert about possible terrorist attacks during the upcoming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad.
The NACTA alert highlights threats from the Fitna al-Khawarij, which is reportedly planning attacks during the PTI protest in Islamabad. It added that members of the terrorist group are planning attacks in major cities of Pakistan.
According to NACTA, several attackers associated with the group have already crossed the Pak-Afghan border and entered various cities on the nights of November 19 and 20. The group is believed to be targeting public gatherings and rallies.
“There is a credible threat of terrorism from Fitna al-Khawarij during the PTI's possible protest in Islamabad,” the NACTA statement reads, urging law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert.
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Moreover, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also issued a suicide blast alert during the PTI protest in Islamabad. The alert was issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department.
The alert claimed that terrorists had planned suicide bombing during the PTI protest, therefore, relevant agencies should take security measures in view of a possible terrorist incident.
The department said that the threat alert had been sent by NACTA and forwarded to the relevant people.
On the other hand, Islamabad police continued to arrest miscreants as it conducts search operations in various areas of the capital in view of the November 24 protest by the PTI in Islamabad. In these operations, 200 miscreants have been arrested so far, police sources said. "Weapons were also recovered from the arrested miscreants," they added.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad police reinforced that Section 144 is implemented in the federal capital, and urged citizens to abide by the law and avoid participating in any unlawful activities.
A police spokesperson stated that public order will be maintained as per the Islamabad High Court's directives. "All necessary steps will be taken to ensure the effective implementation of Section 144," the spokesperson added.
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Emphasizing public safety, the spokesperson assured that all available resources will be utilized to protect the lives and property of citizens. "Citizens are requested not to become part of any illegal activity," the spokesperson said.
The police also warned, "Strict action will be taken against those who violate legal orders."
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar to discuss in detail the current situation amid PTI's protest scheduled for November 24.
Naqvi also apprised Gohar of the situation arising after the Islamabad High Court's latest order regarding the protest, and stressed that the government was bound by the orders of the court.
