Pakistani
Taliban attacks on Tourists
The
Pakistani Taliban may be planning attacks on tourists in Gilgit-Baltistan and
Chitral, where 10 foreign climbers were killed by shooting last years.
Thousands
of tourists visit Gilgit and Chitral each year, many drawn by the area’s
impressive mountains and glaciers, including the world’s second highest peak
K2. Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks in recent weeks and official
are warning these may spread to the north as the sprint tourist season gets
under way. Therefore, Pakistani Taliban may
strike the region.
Pakistan
has warned of suicide bombings and attacks on tourists in the region. The climbing
industry in northern Pakistan was badly hit by the attacks on foreign
mountaineers at the foot of Pakistan’s second highest mountain, Nanga Parbat in
June last year. According the regional Police, it is said that there were not
aware of any specific threat by the Pakistan Taliban but were remaining
vigilant. They have enhanced security as part of a routine exercise, keeping in
mind the latest bout of violence throughout the country.
