'Terrorist groups planning to target JUI-F leadership, politicians'.

Byline: Mohammad Asghar

RAWALPINDI -- Citing state intelligence organisations, the federal government has informed provincial governments and the Islamabad administration that terrorist groups were planning to target the leadership of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and other prominent politicians.

Intelligence agencies issued guidelines to law enforcement authorities on Friday regarding security measures for the Azadi March, which began heading towards Islamabad from all the provinces on Oct 27.

According to sources, the Ministry of Interior issued directives to the four provincial governments and the chief of the Islamabad police to inform prominent political leaders, including from the JUI-F, and increase security to prevent any untoward incident by deploying additional security personnel.

The ministry said the JUI-F led march has had an adverse effect on internal security, increasing uncertainty. It said the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan plans to target to the march and take advantage of a potential mob disguised as protesters.

The guidelines said heightened security measures must be ensured in respective areas of responsibility, especially at joint check...