Al Qaeda plans to target long march

* Intelligence agencies say Karachi could be prime target
* Rangers deployed to port city following intelligence reports

By Faraz Khan

KARACHI: The Sindh government has been warned by intelligence agencies that terrorists could attack the lawyers’ long march in Sindh, with Karachi being a prime target. There is already growing concern over Talibanisation in Karachi and adjoining areas amid reports of possible Al Qaeda attacks during the long march.

A Sindh Home Department official told Daily Times that the intelligence agencies have warned the Sindh government of possible terrorism threats. They said it had been decided to maintain law and order in Karachi in view of the lawyers’ long march. “Agencies have been specifically warned that terrorist organisations can strike during the long march ... with March 14 and 15 being sensitive days,” said the sources. After the authorities received these reports, Rangers were tasked with protecting the city and have already taken control of sensitive locations and installations – including Governor’s House, Chief Minister’s House, courts, hotels and restaurants. Meanwhile, over 500 Karachi policemen have been sent to Islamabad to beef up security for the long march.

CCPO Wasim Ahmed confirmed the news about the possible terror threats in Sindh during the lawyers’ march. He said that he had met and briefed political leaders on the potential attacks and “I have convinced them in this regard”. Meanwhile, a private TV channel reported that Al Qaeda planned to target US consulates and citizens during the long march.

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