Islamabad police trace threatening calls to neighboring country’s origin.
Two threatening phone calls targeting upscale hotels in Islamabad’s heavily-guarded Red Zone have prompted a major security response. Both calls were traced to an international number linked to a neighboring eastern country. The caller warned of explosive-laden vehicles parked at the hotels.
In the first incident, the caller claimed a vehicle with explosives was parked in the hotel’s parking area, providing a registration number. In response, police, including Counter-Terrorism and Bomb Disposal teams, rushed to the hotel, but no vehicle or explosive materials were found after thorough searches of the premises and nearby areas.
A second call was made to a different hotel in the Red Zone while the initial threat was being investigated. Again, the caller warned of explosives in a vehicle, providing a different registration number. A full-scale search was conducted, but no vehicle matching the description was located.
The incidents are being taken very seriously, and investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intent behind the threats. Notably, one of the hotels was hosting foreign and local staff and crews for the ongoing Pakistan Super League, which adds an extra layer of concern. This follows a similar incident in 2021 when the New Zealand cricket team canceled their tour of Pakistan due to security threats.
Key Points:
Threats Targeting Hotels: Two hotels in Islamabad’s Red Zone received threatening calls about explosive-laden vehicles.
Response: Police and Bomb Disposal teams thoroughly searched the areas but found no explosives.
International Number: Both calls were traced to an international number linked to a neighboring country.
Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are investigating the origin and intent behind the threats.
Concerns for Pakistan Super League: One hotel was hosting staff for the ongoing cricket event, heightening the significance of the threats.
While the threats were proven to be false, the incidents have sparked significant security concerns, especially due to the involvement of international guests and the ongoing sports event. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
