NACTA warns of terrorist attack on PTI protest

ISLAMABAD: The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a warning about a possible terrorist attack by Fitna-al-Khawarij (FAK) during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24.

According to the issued threat alert, a copy of which is available with HUM News, several terrorists affiliated with Fitna-al-Khawarij have crossed the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and are believed to have positioned themselves in major cities across Pakistan.

“They are planning to carry out major terrorist activities in Pakistan’s big cities,” the alert stated.

NACTA further highlighted, “Intelligence sources have confirmed that FAK elements are planning to exploit public and political gatherings, with the upcoming PTI protest/march being a likely target.”

In light of this warning, the authority has called for “extreme vigilance and heightened security measures” to prevent any untoward incidents.

On November 13, PTI Chairman Imran Khan issued a “final call” to his supporters to join a protest in Islamabad on November 24.

Earlier, on Saturday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar that protests or sit-ins cannot be permitted under court orders, urging the party to withdraw its protest plan.

Also Read: Protests barred under court orders, Mohsin tells Gohar

“We are bound by the Islamabad High Court’s order. No processions, sit-ins, or rallies can be allowed under the current circumstances,” the interior minister conveyed to Barrister Gohar.

The minister also briefed Barrister Gohar about the visit of a high-level Belarusian delegation, led by President Alexander Lukashenko. The 80-member delegation is set to arrive in Islamabad on November 24 and will remain in the country until November 27. Naqvi emphasised the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment during this high-profile visit.

In anticipation of the protest, the government has shut down several sections of motorways, bus terminals, and major roads in key cities, including the entry and exit points of Lahore and Islamabad.

Additionally, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province, banning assemblies and public gatherings as a preventive measure against potential unrest linked to the PTI protest.