Lahore university receives threatening letter from 'Islamic State'

DIG Lahore says letter could be a hoax, but that could only be ascertained after an investigation


Rameez Khan March 04, 2015
PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE: Security around the University of Engineering and Technology on Wednesday was put on high alert by police after the university in Lahore received a threatening letter from the militant group Islamic State.

The letter threatened to attack the university with a suicide attack or a series of bombings, according to a police officer. And UET public relations officer Dr Tanvir Qasim confirmed the letter had been received via posted mail from an unidentified source. However, he said the contents of the letter were unknown to him.

UET sources claim the letter was received yesterday from unknown sources claiming to be from IS, threatening to attack hotels and the university campus after which security within the UET campus was put on high alert.

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DIG Lahore Dr Haider Ashraf said security around the university has been increased with increased patrolling and checkpoints.

Read: Islamic State releases 19 Christians, more than 200 still captive - monitor

DIG Ashraf also said a search operation will be launched in the UET hostels later today to sweep-check the premises.

However, he added that the letter could be a hoax, but this can only be ascertained after an investigation. DIG Ashraf said till then, the threat would be taken seriously.

The Civil Lines Police Division has also been asked to remain alert.

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Ashraf said that they will also launch a search operation in UET hostels later today to sweep check the premises.

On the other hand, a police official revealed that the threat letter was a hoax to spread panic in city.

In October 2014, a threat letter was handed over to guards of Kinnard College Lahore that later turned out to be a hoax.

Read: Islamic State poses serious threat to Pakistan: FO

It also not the first time that Lahore has come under the threat of IS presence. In November last year, Lahore police launched a manhunt to find men who either belonged to IS, or those who aspired to be in IS after pamphlets, posters and stickers of IS were distributed on the boundary wall in parts of the city. The Lahore police then claimed that Lahore was IS-free, however this letter has raised concerns.

Further, agencies have issued a list of various universities that are under threat, of which UET, according to sources, is not on that list.

COMMENTS (6)

shakrullah khan | 9 years ago | Reply We can no more afford not to start stating and facing facts . Hostels of UET Lahore have been , for decades , haven for criminals and militants who could conduct their criminal or anti-state activities with immunity . The writ of the state , barring short periods , did not operate there . These anti-state elements enjoyed protection by student organizations sympathetic to their agenda . Now when the government is resolved to establish its writ and weed out militants , it is time that majesty of law is established at the university campuses as well. Otherwise they will remain vulnerable to attacks by militants .
Ryan | 9 years ago | Reply Wow, first the Peshawar massacre and now this. I really don't feel like joining a university anymore
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