PDM Lahore rally, NACTA warns of a possible terrorist attempt

The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) warned of a potential terrorist attempt on Dec 13 at PDM’s Lahore rally.

“Allegedly, TTP terrorists are coordinating for a terrorist activity on Dec 13. While details about the place of the terrorist activity and possible targets is not available, the date appears to be significant as a vast public gathering is expected at Minar-i-Pakistan.

Two notifications issued on Dec 9 said that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) may target the PDM’s Minar-i-Pakistan rally.

Both of the notifications called for sensitive security measures and increased alertness to foil any possible attempts.

“These terrorist organizations are planning to swing their operatives and logistics towards another place (most probably in Lahore) for carrying out a large-scale terrorist action against an indeterminate target, after the failure of their first plan in Peshawar.” a notification says.

A meeting of Hizb-e-Islami (HIA) officials took place across the western border on Dec 9 and “decided to upsurge terrorist activities in Pakistan” the second notification reads.

“As per available information, HIA may carry out assassinations of senior political personalities associated with PDM and may target PDM gatherings; mainly the one scheduled in Lahore on Dec 13.” it said.

Strategy to stop the workers coming to Lahore

The Punjab Police has framed its strategy for the PDM’s Lahore rally. The entrances to the provincial capital would be closed a day before the meeting. Some of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders who were already nominated in numerous cases would be detained before the PDM rally.

The Punjab Police had requested the PDM leadership to cancel the rally and alerted the PML-N leaders and party workers, including Vice President of PML-N Maryam Nawaz Shareef and Rana Sanaullah, about the threat of a possible terror attempt on the PDM Lahore jalsa.

The police had issued strict security instructions to PDM leadership in case of a non-cancellation, including the use of bulletproof cars, an official told Pardachaak on Thursday.

Permission not granted for the PDM’s Lahore Jalsa

Lahore: Mentioning threats of a possible terror attempt and covid-19 Pandemic the district management has declined PDM’s application for Minar-i-Pakistan jalsa Dec 13. 

In a communication addressed to the PDM’s leadership Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore pointed towards virus spreading rate and NACTA alert for a possible terror attempt.

“Permission for the rally will not be given”

Talking to the media in Lahore, Buzdar said the present situations of coronavirus in Lahore was very severe and the rate of positive cases was more than 46 per cent. “It is not appropriate to play with the people’s lives like this and permission for the rally will not be given”.

Talking to the media in Lahore, the Punjab chief minister advised the opposition alliance to discuss their issues through dialogue process.

Addressing the opposition, Buzdar said nowhere in the world are protests and gatherings being held.