LAHORE: As many as 140 suspected terrorists, mostly belonging to banned outfits listed by the Punjab home department in the fourth schedule of the anti terrorism act, have disappeared from their homes and are likely to be involved in terrorist activities, a provincial intelligence agency’s report said.
The Express Tribune has learnt that the home department has sent a copy of the report to the inspector-general of police (IGP) Punjab and other security officials, directing them to take immediate action.
The department directed the law-enforcement agencies to maintain records of the listed suspects, especially when they leave the jurisdiction of the local police station. Besides, individuals who meet or contact the suspected extremists or those linked with any incident of terrorism in the past, or suspected to be in the future, will also be monitored.
An earlier report by the same agency added that out of 2,151 alleged extremists placed in the fourth schedule, 724 of them have so far not deposited surety bonds. Action against 518 of the alleged extremists is still pending, the report added.
The agency has asked the police to place all 2,151 alleged extremists under strict surveillance and register cases against the 140 that have disappeared.
The home department also directed the police to compile a list of elements who provide logistical support and shelter to terrorists.
According to figures compiled by the provincial home department, four suspected terrorists are missing from Bahawalpur, six from Sheikhupura, seven each from Lahore and Sargodha, 11 from Faisalabad, 12 from Gujranwala, 17 from Dera Ghazi Khan, 35 from Rawalpindi and 41 from Multan.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2011.
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