Two Karachi hospitals on ‘high-alert’ after terrorist attack threat

Intelligence agencies warn that al Qaeda is preparing to attack JPMC and NICH; security beefed up

Security has been tightened after intelligence agencies issued a warning of a possible terrorist attack at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and adjoining National Institute of Child Health (NICH) in Karachi.

According to Express News, police have been warned about the threat through a letter that states that al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is preparing to attack public hospitals, where terrorists can hold doctors, staff and patients as hostages in coming days.

There is also a possibility of severe destruction through planned explosions at nuclear plants and oxygen reserves in the vicinity, according to the letter.



Following the tipoff, Rangers and police personnel have taken over the security responsibilities and increased the number of paramilitary forces deployed at the two hospitals.

Overnight, a search operation was also carried out and special commandos were deployed at key positions.

Jinnah Hospital's Executive Director Dr Seemi Jamali and NICH Director Prof Jamal Raza have been directed to restrict movement and increase security measures at the hospitals.