Policemen check commuters at a security checkpoint in the provincial capital. PHOTO: AFP
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 3rd, 2013.
COMMENTS (14)
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May Allah's mercy be on the people of Pakistan ESP KPK!! Its the innocent who are the victims, our so-called leaders are tucked away safely in their palaces, hence not bothered about the drones / reprecusions! @Junaid: Beta, no place is safe, be it Chicago or Peshawar! Being a Muslim and I'm assuming a Pakistani (& a 2nd class US citizen!) you should be praying for your people rather than mocking them at this time and please come out from your bubble by saying you have "no fear" here!!
@fhad: A keyboard warrior talking about fighting. Stop texting your sweety and go join the army you coward.
@Fayez:
What negotiations - govt has been talking about negotiations for months - PM recently said negotiations were taking place - but we all know that not a single meeting has taken place.
@Qasir: Man you sacred of repercussions of Taliban leader death, But we are not worry we are happy while living in Chicago. We will go school and do fun as usual no fear here... haha u people have to suffer while living in Peshawar. Why you not moved to Punjab or some safe places in Pak
Terrorism has nothing to do with Islam
Where are guys who appreciate war? I don't see them commenting when it comes to ground realities of war. may be they are okay because battlefield is Peshawar not lahore or karachi
Imran khan is right about them, they are fascist
said by a guy sitting in his room and typing comfortably in an a/c cooled room !
killing innocent people is very cowardly act.
Ironic...........the province supporting the TTP is the province most worried about attacks from the TTP.
With Medal of Peace across the neck of Hakim Ullah Mehsud unanimously bestowed by the Federal & KPK Government, what's the fear.
@fhad: no no. Talibans are hero. It is their right to kill innocent people after every drone attack. Ayla oh I am sorry l mean Tsunami has already come . Vote for PTI
bring on the war......lets go head to head.one on one cowards(so called taliban)..come out of your caves and fight like a man..cowards
I'm sad the negotiations are over now. I fear more bloodshed in Pesh now.
Although Security is high alert but I am very sacred and feeling some people are going to die in my city Peshawar!