Media institutions, schools, Taliban's next target in Pak

Islamabad, Oct.16 (ANI): Pakistan security officials have warned that the Taliban could target the offices of private television channels and other media institutions in the country apart from security establishments.

According to The Daily Times, security officials have intercepted a telephonic call of a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander in which he has given directives to the fighters to launch attacks on media offices across the country. Officials said the Taliban is trying to pressurize the government to discontinue the military operation being carried out in South Waziristan, a stronghold of the outlawed outfit.

"They could mount pressure on the government from all sides.We also have authentic reports that terrorists could kidnap a school bus of some reputed educational institution," a senior official said on condition of anonymity.

The Taliban, in its letter to the Lahore Press Club, has also threatened to blow up offices of journalists and media organization if they do not stop reporting against the extremists.

Lahore Press Club Secretary, Zahid Abid said the 'threat mail' stated that after attacking the UN office and the General Headquarters, it was 'very easy' for the Taliban to launch an attack anywhere in the country. (ANI)