Secret agencies sent a written report to the Interior Ministry on Tuesday about a possible terror attack in Lahore on the occasion of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh.
Security agencies reported that five terrorists have entered Lahore for suicide blasts on the occasion of Data Ganj Bakhsh urs and the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA). The report says that the terrorists belong to banned Tehreek-e-Taliban, Lashkar-e-Jhangwi and Khudam-ul-Islam groups. The terrorists can attack important shrines, Imam Bargahs and churches of Lahore. The report stated that the terrorists are aged between 18 to 30 years and two of them belong to Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. One terrorist belongs to Bajaur Agency while one belongs to Matta area of Swat.
The agencies have issued the sketch of one of the terrorist who is still underground. Report stated that the terrorists can use ambulances to reach their targets.
Security plan finalised for Chechlum: Final security plan vis-à-vis chechlum of Imam Hussain (RA) has been approved by Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera.
According to the plan, 46,963 police officers will perform security duties to protect 554 processions and 987 majalis scheduled in 36 districts of Punjab. These processions and majalis have been divided into three categories “A”, “B” and “C” respectively. As many as 113 processions will be included in “A”, 174 in “B” and 267 in “C” category, whereas, 93 majalis of “A”, 305 “B” and 589 of “C” category will be held in the province.
Total 39 companies of Pakistan Army will remain on stand- by position in 20 districts particularly in 92 flashing points declared as the most sensitive.
The IGP directed the field officers to follow the security SOP which was issued for the Muharram. He further directed officers to establish surprise pickets at all entrance and exit points of the cities with continuity of the search and sweep operations around important buildings, markets, bus terminals, banks, hotels, hostels and restaurants.
