Al Qaeda Plans to Target Long March

[tekisui]

Source: Daily Times

KARACHI: The Sindh government has been warned by intelligence agencies that terrorists could attack the lawyers’ long march in Sindh, with Karachi being a prime target. There is already growing concern over Talibanisation in Karachi and adjoining areas amid reports of possible Al Qaeda attacks during the long march.

A Sindh Home Department official told Daily Times that the intelligence agencies have warned the Sindh government of possible terrorism threats. They said it had been decided to maintain law and order in Karachi in view of the lawyers’ long march. “Agencies have been specifically warned that terrorist organisations can strike during the long march ... with March 14 and 15 being sensitive days,” said the sources. After the authorities received these reports, Rangers were tasked with protecting the city and have already taken control of sensitive locations and installations – including Governor’s House, Chief Minister’s House, courts, hotels and restaurants. Meanwhile, over 500 Karachi policemen have been sent to Islamabad to beef up security for the long march.

CCPO Wasim Ahmed confirmed the news about the possible terror threats in Sindh during the lawyers’ march. He said that he had met and briefed political leaders on the potential attacks and “I have convinced them in this regard”. Meanwhile, a private TV channel reported that Al Qaeda planned to target US consulates and citizens during the long march.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\03\12\story_12-3-2009_pg1_5

[napi21]

1. How do the Pakistani people feel about these thugs who seem to

want to take over their country? I realize that section of Pakistan that borders Afghanistan is isolated under an agreement that it's a safe territory for those guys, but won't the regular Pakistani's be ticked off if they try to take over the rest of their country?

[tekisui]

2. I assume you are referring to the Taliban?

I don't think the Taliban are trying to take over the entire country, not yet. They have enough sympathizers and funders within the military and ISI that they don't really need to. They can play the long game and wait for Pakistan to fall, or for a military coup, which will result in more power and money for them.

[napi21]

3. I'm nnot convinced that ALL Taliban are extreme radicals looking

to control everyone & everything. I'm specifically referring to the radicals, wether they be Taliban al Qaida or some other radicals who have joined together to control everything by violent force.