Gilani faces death threats from Pak terror groups

Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gilani faced a serious threat from three terror groups that could target him in suicide bombings in Islamabad,Lahore or his hometown Multan,intelligence agencies have warned.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani faced a serious threat from three terror groups that could target him in suicide bombings in the federal capital,in Lahore or in his hometown of Multan,intelligence agencies have warned.

A report sent by the intelligence agencies to the government,including the Interior Ministry,was quoted by The News daily as saying that the premier could be targeted in a suicide bombing or a guerrilla attack similar to the one on the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team on March 3 in Lahore.

8220;Tribal area-based terrorists are planning to target Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani through a combination of explosion and a suicide attack,or guerrilla attack similar to the ones on the Sri Lankan cricket team and the Manawan police training centre,8221; the report said.

8220;Three teams of terrorists are reported to be working simultaneously at Islamabad,Lahore and Multan,8221; it added.

Meanwhile,the federal government has called in troops of the Northern Area Scouts,a paramilitary force under the army8217;s command,to aid the civil administration in countering terrorist threats to Islamabad.

The troops will protect important personalities and sensitive installations of the capital,sources said. 8220;At least,20 companies of the NAS are required to tackle any possible untoward situation,8221; a source was quoted as saying. The NAS will be deployed at sensitive installations and included in the motorcade of important personalities.

SSP Security Division Zubair Hashmi said: 8220;A proposal to summon the NAS has been sent to the concerned authorities.8221;

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Police in Islamabad are hunting for an explosive-laden ambulance and a car bearing Press stickers following reports from an intelligence agency that they could be used in terrorist attacks,sources said.

However,the search could also be part of a mock exercise,they added.