Pak capital on 'high alert' over possible terrorist threat

Pakistan's Islamabad city was on high alert yesterday following a possible terrorist threat, with the Red Zone declared a prime target.

High alert was declared following an alert issued by the security agencies that the militants may target sensitive locations in the Red Zone, particularly two hotels.

One of these hotels houses a business centre within which the United Nations and foreign embassies' offices operate, reports Dawn.

Officials said they were informed that there may also be an attack on an educational institute in addition to the Red Zone.

They were told that the militants may target educational institutes particularly universities to attract the attention of law enforcement and security agencies, and then follow with an attack within the Red Zone.

The security around the capital was stepped up and a number of checkpoints were installed on various roads.

The educational institutions were searched and some were also vacated. A contingent of police and Rangers was deployed in and around the institutes.

Some of the institutes were partially sealed and the students, staff and faculty members were denied entry.