NACTA warns terrorists may target PTI protest in Islamabad

Islamabad: The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on Saturday warned of a potential terrorist attack during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad.

NACTA expressed concerns that a terrorist attack could target PTI's public gathering, particularly citing a threat from a group of militants who recently crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan.

The alert highlights the risk of an attack and mentions that militants belonging to the "Fitna al-Khawarij," formerly known as TTP, entered Pakistan via the Pak-Afghan border on the night between November 19 and 20.

The warning specifically points to PTI's protest, suggesting that the militants might attempt to carry out an attack during the demonstration.

In response to the alert, security measures have been heightened across the capital. Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant and reinforce security around the protest site to prevent any untoward incidents.

Earlier today, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar that the government would not authorise any sit-ins or rallies in Islamabad due to security concerns during the official visit of a high-ranking Belarusian delegation.

Naqvi's call to Barrister Gohar came ahead of the arrival of an 80-member Belarusian delegation, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, who is scheduled to visit Islamabad from November 24 to 27.

As PTI prepares for its November 24 protest, the government has implemented stringent security measures, including the imposition of Section 144 across Punjab for three days and the deployment of thousands of personnel in Islamabad to ensure public safety.

Authorities in Islamabad have sealed off routes to the Red Zone and deployed Rangers at key government buildings.

Multiple roads, including Srinagar Highway, GT Road, and routes to Islamabad Airport, have been blocked with containers, and heavy security forces, including police and FC, are stationed around D-Chowk.

Additionally, internet and mobile services have been partially suspended in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab as a precaution. Public transport, including metro bus services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, has been halted, and all bus terminals at Faizabad have been barricaded.