Daily Times

Caretaker Interior Minister Azam Khan has emphasised the need for action against all miscreants regardless of their party affiliations.

He was addressing a meeting held here on Tuesday to discuss preventive measures against possible threats of terrorism attacks in the run up to the elections.

The meeting was held at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) headquarters.

Regarding the prevalent law and order situation, Khan said, “We should not fall victims of sectarian and religious issues which hinder peace efforts.”

The minister expressed the hope that security would be ensured on the Election Day at vital installations, high risk infrastructure and terrorism-hit areas through the deployment of personals of the Police and other law enforcement agencies.

The objective of the conference was to review and coordinate security efforts for the upcoming elections.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Suleman Khan said, “Electioneering is a long process. Political parties and campaigners actively reach out to the masses with their manifestos.”

He said despite recent security and intelligence based operations, there were still reports about possible terrorist attacks during election campaign to disturb peace and law and order.

The gathering was earlier briefed by the ECP personnel on security and safety measures. All provincial home departments presented their plans to ensure foolproof security in the run up to the elections.

NACTA representatives, in their comprehensive presentation, informed the gathering about threat alerts issued to relevant authorities related to possible terrorist incidents.

“As the head of the NACTA, an organisation established to coordinate counter terrorism efforts, I tell you that we have received some very serious reports about possible attacks during election rallies. The NACTA has issued 12 threat alerts so far based on source reports concerning election campaigns, some quite general and others particulars,” Dr. Suleman said.

Published in Daily Times, July 11^th 2018.