31 Dec 2018 | 01:23 PM UTC
Pakistan: Counterterrorism campaign to begin March 2019
Authorities announce launch of counterterrorism campaign to begin in March 2019; increased security operations likely over the coming months
Event
The Pakistani government will launch a nationwide comprehensive security operation beginning March 2019 to address terrorism in the country, according to government officials. The National Action Plan will complement existing counterterrorism efforts. The announcement followed the assassination of a former parliamentarian outside his home in Karachi on Wednesday, December 26. A heightened security presence and increased security operations are expected over the coming months.
Context
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qa'ida, Islamic State (IS) affiliates, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Afghan Taliban, and other Islamist militant groups continue to pose a threat throughout the country despite continued army offensives to drive them from their northwestern strongholds near the Afghan border. Pakistan has suffered several deadly attacks in recent months, including assassinations.
Advice
Individuals in Pakistan are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and anticipate a heightened security presence over the coming months. As a reminder, due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout the country, many Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to Pakistan, except to the capital Islamabad.
