TTP will not be allowed to disturb peace: Mengal

LAHORE: Punjab Home Secretary Noor ul Amin Mengal Friday assured that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will not be permitted to disrupt peace and order in the province.Speaking to The News, Mengal emphasised the province’s robust counter-terrorism measures in response to the recent TTP declarations.

When asked about the TTP’s announcement of establishing two shadow provinces in Punjab, with Syed Hilal Gazi heading North Punjab and Umar Muaviya leading South Punjab, Mengal said, “Terrorist or banned outfits reorganizing themselves does not mean they will be able to create terror in Punjab. Our Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) is very active in eliminating terrorists.”

Addressing concerns about the TTP’s creation of a Special Task Force, known as “Istarna,” tasked with targeting Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Mengal reassured that vigilance was paramount.Mengal also highlighted the challenges faced by the TTP in recruiting members in Punjab, crediting the CTD with dismantling the group’s networks.