K-P put on high-alert following Hakimullah’s death

Intelligence reports warn of possible terrorist attacks.

PESHAWAR/ DI KHAN:

Security was tightened and the province was put on high-alert on Saturday after intelligence reports speculated a spike in terrorist activities following the killing of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike in North Waziristan on Friday evening.

A high-ranking police official told The Express Tribune whenever an Al Qaeda or TTP leader was killed in the past, banned militant outfits retaliated by attacking targets inside Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). He added the same could happen this time around too.

“We have received reports that a high-level meeting of the TTP has been called during which TTP’s future course of action would be decided and attacks across Pakistan could be planned,” he said, adding K-P in general and Peshawar in particular could be the most likely targets.

Moreover, a high-level meeting was held at the Home and Tribal Affairs Department under the chair of Home Secretary Akhtar Ali Shah to discuss security plans. Senior police and government officials attended the meeting during which various security measures and provisions were deliberated over.

Law enforcement officials have already been put on high-alert due to the upcoming month of Muharram, but the home department instructed them to be extra vigilant after Hakimullah’s death.

Meanwhile, DI Khan Deputy Commissioner Waqar Ahmad has ordered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to stop their activities in the district from November 4 to November 20. The step has been taken to ensure the safety of NGOs during Muharram. Foreigners intending to visit the district to inspect development projects have also been barred.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2013.