Security beefed up in Pak's Punjab province after IS alert

With Pakistani authorities claiming that at least five Islamic State militants have sneaked into Punjab province, security has been beefed up at all sensitive civil and military installations in the province to avert possible terror attacks.
Citing intelligence, the Punjab Home Department in a letter to the law enforcement agencies has alerted about the possibility of IS attacks on high-profile targets and army convoys in the province.
"At least five terrorists of IS-affiliated groups have entered in Punjab province which may target private institutions, minority worship places and foreigners," it warned.
The authorities have asked the divisional police officers and the Counter-Terrorism Department to ensure extreme vigilance and foolproof security measures at all levels.

The Punjab government's alert specifically mentioned that "IS-affiliated militants" are out to strike army vehicles moving on Jalalpur Jattan Road and police patrols on GT Road in Gujrat district of Punjab.
The home department also directed the police to ensure foolproof security at the offices of all media houses, particularly in Lahore.

The alert further warned that a group of five terrorists had already reached Lahore, and "plans to storm private establishments by indiscriminately killing their security guards."
CTD Punjab chief Rai Tahir said Paris like attacks cannot be ruled out.
"We cannot rule out the Paris like attacks in Punjab," he said, adding the law enforcement agencies were tracking down the suspects in this regard.

These intelligence-based directions contradict the assertions made by the federal government that IS has no presence in Pakistan.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, however, described the "threat alert" as being "a routine matter".
"There is no presence of IS in Punjab province. However, we are keeping an eye on the elements intend to join the IS," he said, adding some "extremists" are creating problems.