The National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) has raised alarms about a possible TTP threat targeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest planned for tomorrow (November 24) in Islamabad. The militant group, known as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), poses a significant risk, according to Nacta’s warning.
The counter-terrorism body has cautioned that TTP operatives might carry out attacks in major cities. It shared reports that terrorists have recently entered Pakistan from Afghanistan. In response, Nacta has informed Islamabad’s chief commissioner, police inspector general, and officials in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) about the potential danger.
Despite these warnings, PT remains firm in its plan to hold the protest. This determination persists even after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed authorities to stop any demonstrations violating the new peaceful assembly law. PTI protests in recent months have frequently led to clashes with law enforcement agencies.
The protest coincides with the upcoming visit of the Belarusian president, who is arriving with a 65-member delegation from November 25 to November 27. The government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has announced stringent security measures to handle the situation.
According to sources in the interior ministry, mobile phone services may be suspended across the country starting tonight. Furthermore, Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad for two months, and the city administration has called for 8,000 additional police personnel along with Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) troops to ensure public safety.
In Punjab, similar precautions have been taken. The provincial government has enforced Section 144 for three days, from November 23 to November 25, and placed over 10,700 police officers on high alert.
This TTP threat has heightened concerns as the protest approaches. Authorities are taking every possible step to protect the public and maintain law and order.
