 The Interior Ministry has warned law enforcement agencies that activists of the defunct Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LJ) and Taliban militants plan to attack eminent political and religious leaders and religious places in nine cities during Muharram, Daily Times learnt on Monday. “Yes, we have received these threats,” said acting Islamabad police Inspector General Nadeem Baloch.
| We used to hear about LJ pretty regularly, and then they kind of subsided. I believe they've mostly been absorbed into the al-Qaeda structure, but because of their liking for mindless sectarian violence they get let off the leash for Muharram. |
Two intelligence reports received by the ministry said attacks were likely in Islamabad, Peshawar, Bahawalpur, Vehari, Jhang, Hyderabad, Karachi, DI Khan and Quetta. A notification by the National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) of the Interior Ministry said militants would try to attack Muharram processions, Imambargahs and Majalis. The intelligence reports say Senator Abid Hussain, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid ex-MNA from Jhang Waqas Akram Sheikh and Allama Sajid Naqvi are likely targets. Three jackets meant for suicide attacks have been delivered to LJ activists in Jhang, they say.
[KNOCK KNOCK!]
"Whose dere?"
"Suicide jacket delivery for Mr. Mahmoud!" |
Militants: According to the reports, 300 militants from tribal areas, including local and Afghan Taliban, have been assigned targets and sent to the settled areas. Following the circulation of the notice to the home secretaries and the provincial police chiefs, law enforcement agencies are on high alert. District police officers have been directed to devise security plans to ensure peace during Muharram. |