Pak deploys force at nuclear facility following terror threat

Pakistan has deployed large contingents of Army and police at one of its  biggest nuclear facilities in Dera Ghazi Khan in the Punjab province following intelligence interceptions about threat of a  terrorist strike at the unit.

According to the telephone call intercepted by the ISI, three to four vehicles carrying suicide bombers were about to enter Dera Ghazi Khan and could strike the nuclear facilities at any time.

Security was beefed at sensitive installations, specially at nuclear sites, to avert any attack on the lines of one on Kamra airbase, during Pakistan Defence Day, which was  observed on Thursday, officials said. “There have been threats to all installations, including the Dera Ghazi Khan nuclear site, in the current law and order situation in the country,” Dera Ghazi Khan district police chief Chaudhry Saleem said over phone.

“After the attack on Kamra airbase, we have been asked to remain extra vigilant. Police divisions are ready to respond to any emergency call,” he said. Security had been further enhanced around the nuclear site after the attack on Kamra airbase on August 16, he added.

A Lahore police official, who did not wish to be named, said  a circular issued by the Punjab police chief’s office had directed the police chiefs of 36 districts to beef up security around sensitive installations due to “credible reports of attacks by terrorists.”

Earlier, The Express Tribune reported that security had been stepped up at the nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan after the ISI intercepted a telephone call during which militants were heard planning an attack on the installation. The daily said the nature of threat at the nuclear installation is “serious,” with an 80 per cent chance of occurrence.