‘Waziristan terrorists hiding along unchecked national highways, motorways in Lahore’

LAHORE - A large number of terrorists, who escaped from Waziristan, are reportedly hiding in “base camps” located along national highways and motorways in Lahore.

According to reports, the Punjab government has now issued directions for taking stern action in this regard.

Law enforcement agencies believe that some “big fish” and several suicide bombers are hiding in these areas, from where they are operating their networks and making plans to conduct various attacks, The Daily Times reports.

The agencies said that the terrorists enter provincial hubs by crossing checkposts at odd times, especially immediately after fajr prayers when the officials at checkposts have finished their duties.

They also claimed that anyone could easily bring any “item” without worrying of checking as the “base camps” are located in the province’s outskirts, and most of the police checkposts are set up in the provincial capital’s boundary.

Sources said that law enforcement agencies in the province were considering launching a well-coordinated large-scale operation to hunt down the possible terrorist hubs.

US drone attacks have reportedly forced militants to leave North and South Waziristan tribal districts, known hubs for Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked militants.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in over 100 drone strikes in Pakistan’s northwestern tribal belt since August 2008. (ANI)