Threat alert issued for Malakand Division

MALAKAND:

In view of the current security situation and threats in the Malakand Division of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), a general threat alert has been issued by the administration.

Leaves of Levies personnel have been cancelled and security at police stations, government buildings and schools has been tightened.

Additionally, both police patrols and the number of personnel at check posts have been increased.

Deputy Commissioner/Commandant Levies Force Hamidur Rehman said in a special briefing that, after the recent series of terrorist incidents in the province, effective steps were being taken to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the general public, including government officials and property in Malakand district.

He appealed to local residents to fully cooperate with the administration and the Levies Force in that regard and keep a special eye on suspicious persons, things and vehicles in their surroundings.

In response to a question on the traffic plan and prevention of aerial firing on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, he said special and feasible arrangements were being made for traffic and parking while there was a complete ban in place on aerial firing and one-wheeling.

He also said that, in that regard, it was also the responsibility and duty of every local resident, including parents, scholars and local government representatives, to play their role, adding that the general public should also avoid unnecessary use of vehicles, movement and travel to markets.

In October last year security forces killed two terrorists, including a key ringleader, in an intelligence-based operation in Swat's Charbagh area, military officials stated.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to root out terrorism in the region.

According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation took place during the night of October 4 and 5 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Swat district.