Terrorist elements linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij and other banned militant organisations have allegedly infiltrated the PTI long march in Islamabad, with sources claiming some militants have already begun their activities after joining convoys of political activists.
According to sources, terrorists linked to certain factions of Fitna-al-Khawarij are currently present among PTI convoys in Makin, South Waziristan, and Malakand. The sources claim that the militants joined the convoys to conceal their identities among the political crowds and that plans are being made to carry out subversive activities under the cover of the protest.
Informed sources said the objective of these elements may be to incite violence during the political protest and provoke a confrontation with security agencies. The terrorists are allegedly attempting to use the protesting crowds as a shield for their activities, while sensitive installations and law enforcement facilities could also be targeted.
Sources further claimed that security concerns previously raised by the federal government and the public may be materialising. According to the sources, terrorist elements are allegedly being integrated into the political protest as part of a plan to turn the event from a political activity into a situation involving unrest and confrontation.
The development comes as PTI has launched a long march, beginning on October 4, to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan. The march began in Lakki Marwat, with convoys from southern districts, including South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu, expected to join along the way. A separate convoy has also set out from Malakand Division.
Meanwhile, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had alleged before the long march that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and PTI’s provincial leadership had conspired to incite unrest with the assistance of elements affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).