Pakistan: Armed forces-run universities temporarily closed due to fear of militant attacks

Fearing potential Islamist threats, Pakistani officials temporarily closed at least three prestigious universities on Monday, including the National Defence University.

An intelligence agency’s security alert about a potential attack on higher education institutions with ties to the military prompted the Pakistani government to temporarily close the military-run National Defense University, Air University, and Bahria University, among other institutions.

The action was initiated after it became clear which Baloch terrorists killed in the Iranian airstrikes were key rebels wanted for an attack in the province of Balochistan.

The Army, Air Force, and Navy are in charge of the three elite universities, in that order.

At least three prominent universities, including the National Defence University, were briefly closed by Pakistani authorities on Monday due to concerns about possible Islamist threats.

The Pakistani government, acting on a security notice from an intelligence agency on a possible attack on military-affiliated higher education institutions, temporarily closed National Defense University, Air University, and Bahria University, among other military-run schools.

After it was discovered which Baloch militants killed in the Iranian airstrikes were important rebels wanted for an attack in the region of Balochistan, action was taken.

The Army, Air Force, and Navy are in charge of the three elite universities, in that order.

“The law and order and security situation in Islamabad is under control,” Islamabad Police Inspector-General (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan stated in a video message.

Additionally, he issued an outright ban on public gatherings and emphasized that there should be no such events held in the current circumstances.

He went on to say that the police will keep up their efforts to keep the forthcoming elections safe.

Meanwhile, heads of police stations have been asked to increase patrolling in their respective areas and sub-divisional police officers tasked to monitor patrolling.

Authorities in Pakistan had earlier declared that major militants engaged in several terror acts in Balochistan had been killed by the airstrikes on the bases of the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) organization on January 18.

(With agency inputs)