Daily Times

KARACHI: The law enforcement agencies have put the provincial capital on high alert following a possible terror threat to the city, with public places such as hospitals and shopping malls as prime targets.

‘High alert’ was declared in Islamabad and Karachi following an alert issued by intelligence agencies after receiving threat calls that militants might target public places.

As per details, intelligence agencies had received four calls regarding bomb blast at different places in Islamabad including hotels and near the Parliament House, after which police launched a search operation and also claimed to have identified the caller.

Police may be conducting more checks at hotels, motels and guesthouses for security purposes. In addition checks at the exit and entry points of the city may be intensified as well as mobile patrols may also be in place around shopping centres and other public places.

The official sources said that terrorists might attack important buildings via water bowers filled with liquid explosives in coming three days. Field personnel have been directed to remain active during duty hours as the militants threatened to hit Bilawal House, Chief Minister’s House, Governor House, mosques, imambarghas, minority worship places, and Rangers and Police headquarters.

The citizens have been cautioned to remain alert and maintain a low profile in public places.

Islooites have also been advised to conduct their businesses in the shortest possible time and preferably outside busy peak hours while visiting markets including Centaurus mall.

They said that citizens should inform respective respective security staff, friends, colleagues and/or relatives about their whereabouts.

Sources added that no suspicious material was found during operation while the caller had been traced and would soon be captured for further investigation.