PESHAWAR: Security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was put on high alert hours after the chief of banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Hakimullah Mehsud, was killed in a US drone strike in North Waziristan, DawnNews reported.

In an attempt to prevent a possible backlash from Taliban militants, security was increased at all sensitive government installations in the provincial capital of Peshawar, including in its Cantonment areas and the localities adjacent to tribal regions.

Blockades were also set up at all entry and exit points of the city where searches of passers-by were underway. There was also a step up in random snap checkings being conducted in Peshawar.

Security agencies were put on high alert in the region whereas the number of personnel deployed at security check posts was also increased.

PoIice patrolling was also increased in Peshawar in addition to the monitoring of all routes leading to the provincial capital.

Mehsud was killed in a US drone strike in the North Waziristan tribal region on Friday and his death has been confirmed by US and Pakistani intelligence sources.

Moreover, Pakistani Taliban militants had also confirmed the incident and funerals for the TTP chief and other militants killed in the drone strike were held on Saturday in various parts of North Waziristan.