Islamabad: Pakistani security agencies are searching for an explosive-laden ambulance that is believed to have entered the garrison city of Rawalpindi to carry out a terrorist attack.

Rawalpindi s police chief Rao Muhammad Iqbal said the search was launched following intelligence reports that the ambulance, reportedly bearing an official number plate and monogram, had entered the city.

Iqbal also told a news conference yesterday that special check posts and pickets had been established at places like Attock and Murree to maintain surveillance and prevent terrorist strikes.

Sources told PTI that there had been reports over the past few days about terrorists using an explosive-laden ambulance for attacks in Islamabad or Rawalpindi. Diplomatic missions in the federal capital had also been warned about the possible use of ambulances in an attack.

Iqbal said the security of prominent political personalities living in Rawalpindi, including former federal minister Muhammad Ejaz-ul-Haque and PML-N lawmaker Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, had been enhanced.

Several suspects had also been arrested for alleged involvement in issuing threats to blow up the Army Public School and carry out bomb attacks in Rawalpindi. In the light of intelligence reports, the red alert in Rawalpindi would remain till further orders, he said.

Replying to a question about the recent suicide bombing of an ordnance factory complex in Wah cantonment, Iqbal said a suspect arrested in connection with the attack had said it was planned by Pakistani Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud.
Source : PTI