Fear of reprisal: Pakistan’s UN office warns employees

Following reports of a possible militant reprisal, security is on high alert.

LAHORE:

Fearing a reprisal following the killing of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a drone strike on Friday, the local UN office has issued an alert to its employees, The Express Tribune has learnt.

“Imminent security threat at Centaurus Mall, Islamabad, for two (02) weeks. Huge security threat of hostage situation and mass killings,” the UN office’s alert says, according to a circular of the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP).

“Therefore, necessary actions be taken with the cooperation of their management, to enhance the security of important shopping malls, especially those being run by or franchise of foreign store chains,” circular further stated.

Another report issued by the Punjab Home Department reveals that the TTP is planning to target the US and other Western nationals.

“They are likely to hit top political leaders, senior government functionaries, key government installations and army/police establishments/envoys. Foolproof security and precautionary measures are therefore warranted to avoid any mishap,” reads another alert.



According to yet another report, the leaderships of banned outfits have jointly decided to execute attacks on armed forces’ personnel and installations, law enforcing agencies’ personnel  and installations, government setups and foreign missions, embassies and consulates.

“The volatile situation in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), existence of terrorists/extremists elements in settled areas and vested interests by hostile intelligence agencies present reasonably potent threat to internal security of the country,” another alert states.

It says that under the prevailing security environment, terrorists and anti-state elements are likely to intensify their activities to foment sense of insecurity among the masses.

Yet another alert reveals that the TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid  has allegedly threatened to target media offices of Voice of America (VoA), BBC,  Diwa/Mashal Radio and Daily Mashriq.

“The TTP is of the view that the mentioned media outlets are tarnishing the image of the Taliban and unnecessarily criticising them, says the alert. It has also been learnt that the TTP intends to target those who will sell book ‘I am Malala’.

These reports, based on human and technical intelligence, have been forwarded to the interior ministry and provincial home departments by the intelligence agencies.

After receiving these alerts, the interior ministry has directed the provincial home departments, provincial police chiefs and provincial heads of other LEAs including chief of federal capital city police to immediately put security on high alert across the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2013.