In response to a threat alert regarding a potential terror attack, several educational institutes in Islamabad were closed to mitigate the risk. The threat alert suggested plans for multiple terror attacks on educational institutions, particularly schools and universities, by a banned organization. The potential attacks were reported to involve female suicide bombers affiliated with the banned groups, with the timeframe set between January 22-24. While the authorities have stated that security arrangements are in place, caution has been advised for election rallies and public gatherings in the federal capital.
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This alert follows a similar security high alert issued in 2021 across the country due to a possible terror threat, leading to intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Punjab. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted 23 operations in different districts, resulting in the interrogation of 23 suspects and the arrest of two high-profile terrorists, Abdul Samad and Ikramullah Khan. The arrests were made in Sialkot and Nankana Sahib, respectively.
In 2023, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by security concerns in the region.
