ISLAMABAD: The US Mission in Pakistan on Wednesday cautioned its citizens to avoid traveling to Islamabad’s iconic Faisal Mosque citing threats from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, urging its nationals to keep a low profile and monitor local media for updates.
The statement from the American mission comes days after a cryptic video was widely shared on social media, showing a person holding up a piece of paper in front of the Faisal Mosque with the TTP’s flag drawn on it.
The TTP has carried out some of the deadliest attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians since 2007. After a fragile truce between the banned outfit and the state broke down in November 2022, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
“Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants have issued threats against Faisal Mosque, in Islamabad,” the US Mission in Pakistan wrote on its website. “The US Embassy Regional Security Office has prohibited US employee travel to the Faisal Mosque area until further notice.”
The iconic Faisal Mosque is spread over 54,000 square feet and has the capacity to accommodate over 250,000 people at a time. It houses hundreds of worshippers during prominent religious events and Friday congregational prayers. It is also a popular tourist resort for foreigners.
The mission urged American nationals to avoid traveling to the area around the mosque, exercise caution and leave it if they find themselves unexpectedly in the vicinity of a large gathering or demonstration. It advised citizens to review their personal security plan, monitor local media for updates and “keep a low profile and be aware of your surroundings.”
It also urged US citizens to cooperation with Pakistani authorities and review the country security report for Pakistan.
In September last year, the US embassy advised its nationals to reconsider traveling to Pakistan “due to terrorism” and “increased risks” of violence in some parts of the country amid a resurgence in militant violence.
The embassy had advised citizens against traveling to the southwestern Balochistan province and KP, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) due to “terrorism.”
The TTP has carried out attacks in Pakistan as it seeks to impose their strict brand of Islam in the country. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan to take action against the banned outfit in its territory, accusing the militants of using Afghan soil to launch attacks against it. The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan deny Pakistan’s accusations.
Ties between the two countries deteriorated after Pakistan carried out cross-border strikes against alleged TTP targets in Afghanistan last year.
US cautions citizens against traveling to Faisal Mosque citing threats from Pakistani Taliban
https://arab.news/pmx8d
US cautions citizens against traveling to Faisal Mosque citing threats from Pakistani Taliban
- Video shared widely on social media days earlier shows person holding up a drawing of TTP flag in front of iconic mosque
- Outlawed TTP outfit have carried out some of the deadliest attacks against Pakistan’s civilians, security forces since 2007
Punjab extends Basant timings as Lahore marks festival with traditional zeal
- The festival marking the onset of spring was banned in 2008 after deaths and injuries to motorcyclists and pedestrians from stray kite strings
- Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz says the extension is a ‘reward for the people of Lahore for celebrating Basant with great discipline and for responsibly’
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has extended timings for the Basant kite-flying festival till early Monday morning, she announced on Sunday, as people in the provincial capital of Lahore celebrated the spring festival with traditional zeal for the third consecutive day.
The Basant, a festival marking the onset of spring, was banned in 2008 after deaths and injuries to motorcyclists and pedestrians from stray kite strings — sometimes coated with metal to make them more fearsome in mid-air battles.
The government of CM Nawaz this year allowed Basant festivities in the provincial capital of Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural heart, on Feb. 6-8, but issued an extensive safety plan regarding kite materials and motorcyclists and pedestrians to avoid any untoward incident.
Extravagantly colored kites continued to duel above Lahore and residents gathered on rooftops with family, friends and visitors for the third day on Sunday as the city celebrated the lifting of an 18-year ban on the spectacular three-day kite-flying festival.
“I am pleased to announce that Basant celebrations timings are being extended till 5:00 AM tomorrow morning,” CM Nawaz said in an X post on Sunday, highlighting the festivity, unity and joy across Lahore.
“This extension is a reward for the people of Lahore for celebrating Basant with great discipline and for responsibly following all safety SOPs (standard operating procedures).”
The Punjab government banned metallic or chemical-coated strings. Kites and strings had to bear individual QR codes so they could be traced, and motorcyclists had to attach safety rods to their bikes to fend off stray thread.
Some 4,600 producers registered with the authorities to sell kites and strings ahead of the festival. Authorities had made it mandatory for owners to register rooftops with 30 or more revelers, while dozens of roofs had been declared off-limits after inspections.
“Please continue to celebrate safely, stay away from electric wires, secure your rooftops, and follow all guidelines,” Nawaz said. “Let’s make this historic Basant joyful, safe, and memorable for everyone.”
