Security beefed up in Islamabad after threat alerts

NACTA warns foreigners, security officials can be targeted

ISLAMABAD: Security in the federal capital has been beefed up after authorities issued threat alerts, warning of potential terrorist activities in some areas of the federal capital.

The measures came after National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) warned the Capital Territory Police that there could be potential terror attacks in the capital in coming days.

Sources said Nacta had issued two alerts: one of them warned of possible terror attacks against police officials - possibly in areas around F-8.

A police officer confirmed that a warning against a possible attack on a police vehicle or convoy(s) was issued recently. According to the alert, the police bus could be targeted by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

In another threat alert issued by Nacta and sent to the police, it was mentioned that foreigners could be targeted in the capital. An officer said the alert also mentioned some specific areas in this regard.

He said the alert was somewhat vague and did not have too many details. The officers said that usually Nacta issues such alerts and send them to the Ministry of Interior that forwards them to relevant law enforcement agencies and institutions.

Another officer said that precautionary security measures had been put in place in the wake of threat alerts.

It is important to note that the UK government has also issued an advisory to the staff of the British High Commission, asking them to avoid areas around F-8 and G-8.

“[The] British High Commission staff have been advised to limit their movements to or within sectors F-8, F-9, G-8 and G-9 in Islamabad, including all major intersections within these areas, until further notice. If you’re in Islamabad, you’re advised to do likewise,” tweeted the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on January 15.

#Pakistan High Commission staff have been advised to limit movements to or within sectors F-8, F-9, G-8 and G-9 in Islamabad, including all major intersections within these areas, until further notice. If you're in Islamabad, you're advised to do likewise: https://t.co/BdMzlWvbeW pic.twitter.com/BHqe3NTdwt

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) January 15, 2018