August 14 Government orders tighter VIP security

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has directed the four provincial governments and the federal capital administration to beef up security for dignitaries, prominent political leaders and US and European diplomats.

The directions were issued after the intelligence agencies recently uncovered a plan by some religious extremists to launch a major terrorist attack in the country on or before August 14, sources told Daily Times.

The agencies submitted their report to the interior ministry regarding the impending terrorist threat on 18th July, sources said.

The extremists had planned to target dignitaries and towering political figures, sources said.

The agencies report said the personalities with links to the US or European countries were also at risk. Following the report, the interior ministry cautioned the four provinces and the federal capital administration, ordering them to take measures to avert any
terrorism bid.

The provincial home secretaries and Islamabad administration have been asked to monitor the activities of religious parties and tighten the security of
diplomats, dignitaries and prominent figures.

They have also been directed to increase security around the US and European consulates in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar, sources said.

The provincial high-ups have also been asked to stay in touch with the diplomats and ask them not to leave their premises without prior intimation to the provincial government officials designated in this regard.

Sources said the law enforcement agencies had also been asked increase surviallance of the religious parties and tap
their telephones.

The federal government is considering to boost security around the diplomats’ residences and consulates in Islamabad and in this regard Punjab Constabulary contingent would be deputed there, sources added.

The Islamabad police high-ups have decided to plug the exit points of the city after midnight.

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