Pak on high alert for '5 terrorists'

Islamabad: A high alert has been sounded by the Pakistan Government following intelligence reports that ‘five terrorists’ were out to strike ‘somewhere’ in the country, much on the lines of the suicide bomber who killed 42 army recruits in Dargai tribal area last Wednesday.

All provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory administration had been directed to place security forces on high alert, Dawn quoted officials as saying.

"We are taking no chances. The tightened security will ensure that an intending attacker finds it difficult to carry out suck an attack," a senior police official said.

On Thursday night in Islamabad, about 150 personnel of Pakistan Rangers and a large number of the Frontier Constabulary troops were deployed along the Margalla Road and at embassies of Norway, Denmark and China.

The green area was combed by the Rangers. Earlier, 300 personnel of Pakistan Rangers and additional contingents of police were deployed at sensitive places in Islamabad, he said.

"Even those who hang about on roads are being told to move on by the security personnel," an official said.

Security personnel in civilian clothes have also been deputed to keep a vigil on passengers and other people looking suspicious.

The localities of Afghan nationals, particularly Karachi Company, have also been combed.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Amir Hussain blocked efforts by the Islamist Muthahida Majlis Amal (MMA), MPs to hold funeral prayers for the 80 suspected militants killed in a military attack on a madrasa in Bajaur and 42 soldiers killed in the suicide bomb blast at Dargai.

MMA members said they had planned a Fateha prayer in the house for the victims of both the incidents.

But Speaker did not allow it saying that he would permit prayers for the former president Ishaq Khan, MMA member from Karachi Abdus Sattar Afghani and former member Mir Darya Khan Khoso, who recently died.

MMA leader, Hafiz Ahmed said later he wondered whose "fear" had prevented the Speaker from allowing a Fateha khawani for "innocent people" killed in Bajaur and Dargai and complained that MMA members were not permitted to say even a few words about their alliance member from Karachi, Afghani, or for former president Ishaq Khan.

He said the MMA would protest on Monday against what he called a "black chapter" in Pakistan's parliamentary history.