GILGIT: Security has been beefed up across Gilgit-Baltistan following an advisory from the interior ministry regardingthe threat of possible terrorist attacks.

GB Home Minister Shamsul Haq Lone told Dawn the federal interior ministry had issued a threat alert regarding possible attacks by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and asked the region’s government to enhance security.

“The last ten days of Ramazan are sensitive as many religious gatherings are held, including Friday and Eid prayers,” he said, adding that meetings have been held with the GB inspector general of police and other law enforcement agencies.

The meetings have decided to enhance checking at sen­s­i­­tive places and the region’s entry points. Along with female police officers, GB Scouts have also been deployed in the region.

Punjab CTD sends letter to KP, GB police over possible attacks

Meanwhile, Chinese workers and engineers, who suspended work on the Diamer Bhasha Dam project after the Bisham attack, will resume their duties within two days, Diamer Deputy Com­mi­­ssioner Arif Ahmed told Dawn.

He added that the security of Chinese nationals working on the project has been enhanced.

According to Mr Ahmed, over 1,400 security personnel from police, GB Scouts and Wapda’s security force have been deployed at the dam site.

Separately, Punjab Police’s Counter Terrorism Department has sent a letter to the inspector generals of KP and GB regarding security threats.

The letter, seen by Dawn, said the outlawed TTP has reportedly devised a plan to launch an attack between the 19th and 21st of Ramazan.

Gilgit Range DIG Mirza Hassan told Dawn that foolproof arrangements have been made for the security of religious gatherings, mosques and other important installations in wake of the threats.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2024