Hoax bomb calls trigger security response at two Islamabad hotels

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Police and security agencies swiftly responded to bomb threats at two hotels in the federal capital on Friday.

The threats, which later turned out to be false, were received via suspicious calls originating from an international number and triggered a high alert and immediate action.

Sources within one of the hotels reported receiving a call from an unidentified individual claiming the presence of an explosive device within a vehicle parked on the premises.

The Bomb Disposal Squad was promptly dispatched to the location and conducted a comprehensive search of the parking area. However, their efforts yielded no evidence of any explosive device or suspicious vehicle.

A short time later, a similar threat was made against another hotel in the city. In this instance, the caller, using the same international phone number, alleged that a bomb had been placed in a vehicle at that location. Security teams again carried out a thorough inspection, but no hazardous materials were found.

A relevant police officer confirmed the receipt of both threats, stating that they originated from a neighbouring country. While authorities currently believe the calls to be a hoax and are not treating them as serious threats, investigations are actively underway. These investigations aim to trace the precise origin of the calls and ascertain the motive behind these disruptive actions.