NACTA warns of terror attack targeting PTI protest in Islamabad

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstration in Islamabad is the target of a possible terrorist assault, according to the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

According to The Express Tribune, the notice raises grave fears about a terrorist danger, particularly from a group that just entered Pakistan from Afghanistan.

“Fitna al-Khawarij,” formerly known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was the group’s NACTA identification. On the evening of November 19–20, these terrorists allegedly crossed into Pakistan over the Pakistan–Afghan border. The government has issued a warning that the extremists may use the PTI’s public event as a pretext for an assault.

As a result, security has been greatly increased across the capital, and officials have been told to maintain vigilance and make sure the protest location is safe from any possible dangers.

According to The Express Tribune, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar earlier on Saturday to let him know that the government would not permit any protests or sit-ins in Islamabad while a senior Belarusian delegation was in town.

Naqvi explained the decision by pointing to security considerations. The visit is planned for November 24–27 and will be headed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The government stationed hundreds of security guards in Islamabad and enforced Section 144 across Punjab for three days before to the PTI demonstration on November 24. Major highways leading to the Red Zone, including as the Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and those that link to Islamabad Airport, have been blocked by authorities.

According to The Express Tribune, Rangers, police, and Frontier Corps men have been positioned in critical areas, especially in the vicinity of D-Chowk, and containers have been positioned at many access points.

The partial suspension of cellphone and internet services in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad are further preventative steps. Public transportation has been suspended, including the Islamabad and Rawalpindi metro bus services. Additionally, in order to avoid security breaches during the demonstration and the high-profile visit, all of Faizabad’s bus terminals have been blocked.

The additional security demonstrates the government’s concern for maintaining public safety in the face of rising tensions in the capital as well as the possible terrorist threat.