Pakistan deploys forces at nuke plant after terror threat

Pakistan has deployed large contingents of army and police at one of the countrys biggest nuclear facilities in Dera Ghazi Khan in the Punjab province following intelligence interceptions of a strike threat from terrorists

Pakistan has deployed large contingents of army and police at one of the countrys biggest nuclear facilities in Dera Ghazi Khan in the Punjab province following intelligence interceptions of a strike threat from terrorists.

Security was beefed at sensitive installations,specially at nuclear sites,to avert any attack on the lines of one on Kamra airbase,during Pakistan Defence Day,which is being observed on Thursday,officials said.

There have been threats to all installations,including the Dera Ghazi Khan nuclear site,in the current law and order situation in the country, Dera Ghazi Khan district police chief Chaudhry Saleem said.

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After the attack on Kamra airbase,we have been asked to remain extra vigilant. Police divisions are ready to respond to any emergency call, he said.

A Lahore Police official said a circular issued by the Punjab Police chiefs office had directed the police chiefs of 36 districts to beef up security around sensitive installations due to credible reports of attacks by terrorists.

Earlier,The Express Tribune reported that security had been stepped up at the nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan after the ISI intercepted a telephone call during which militants were heard discussing an attack on the installation.

The daily quoted sources in the military and Punjab Police as saying the nature of threat at the nuclear installation was serious,with 80 per cent chance of occurrence. This could be the first security threat to a nuclear facility in Pakistan and the army and security forces are taking no risks,the report said.