Punjab Home Department have warned of possible attacks by Islamic State (IS) against high-profile targets in the province.
The Home Department in an intelligence-based alert about the possibility of attacks on important political personalities, and sensitive civil and military installations. The warning also alerts all media houses to remain on guard.
The authorities have asked the divisional police and the Counter-Terrorism Department to “ensure extreme vigilance and foolproof security measures at all levels.
The alert also warned that police patrols, military vehicles and private establishments were on the hit-list of the militants associated with IS, also known by its Arabic acronym Da’ish.
The home department specifically warned the Allama Iqbal International Airport management to take pre-emptive measures for averting any untoward incidents. Against external threats, the Airport Security Force was directed to remain on standby and enhance security while the Bomb Disposal Squad was told to screen the entire airport area for any explosive devices.
As for internal threats, the warning letter called for continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras at the facility, especially at the departure and arrival lounges.
The home department also stated that Da’ish militants might target army vehicles, especially on Jalalpur-Jattan Road, and police patrols on GT Road in Gujrat district.
It also directed the police to ensure foolproof security at the offices of all media houses, particularly in Lahore. The authorities also called for arranging safety drills for employees at the media houses in the near future to prepare them for any untoward situation.
Another home department official said while Da’ish was not itself present in Pakistan, its name alluded to factions within the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) inspired by the Middle Eastern terror outfit.
