Spike in terror attacks: KP Home department urges govt officials to exercise caution

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home and Tribal Affairs Department has cautioned the government officials through a threat alert to keep a low profile while traveling.

The advisory was issued in the aftermath of the rising terror attacks and incidents of kidnapping of security personnel in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“A security advisory has been issued after a spike in attacks,” a senior official of the Home Department said on Saturday.

The threat advisory, addressed to the Provincial Police Officer Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and all the administrative secretaries of the province, was issued by the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.

“The overall threat level has significantly increased due to the recent spike in terrorist activities, towards attempts of assassination and kidnappings of officials of law-enforcement agencies and security forces,” stated the advisory.

It added that several incidents of kidnapping and martyrdom of security personnel, including those on leave, were reported recently. The letter continued that the phenomenon was constantly being seen in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat and Bannu.

Dera Ismail Khan is the home town of Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan.

The advisory mentioned that during the Muharram holidays, government officials travelling to their native areas may be particularly vulnerable to these militant activities.

“In light of the foregoing, all officers and officials are strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid conspicuous and known travelling patterns. It is imperative that concerned authorities implement necessary measures to mitigate any potential risks in the days leading up to the 10th of Muharram and beyond,” stated the letter.

There were social media reports that the sub-divisional police officer Saddar in Dera Ismail Khan has issued a security advisory to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl head Maulana Fazlur Rahman to restrict his movement and take measures for his security.

A senior police official, when approached, however, denied issuing an advisory to any politician in Dera Ismail Khan and said the letter posted on social media was tampered with. “It is an old letter, which has been tampered with and posted as a fresh security advisory,” the senior official said.

The law and order has worsened in many parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent months.

In the past couple of years, a number of security personnel and political workers were attacked by militants in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Recently, the incidents of kidnapping have also increased.