LAHORE, Aug 23: The Ministry of Interior has warned the provinces of threats of sabotage, sectarian killings and strife in the country, particularly in Karachi, the NWFP and tribal areas in the coming days, it is learnt from reliable sources.

The warning, according to the sources, is contained in a “threat assessment” report prepared by the National Crisis Management Cell of the ministry on the basis of intelligence reports.

A letter recently sent by the Punjab Home Department to the Provincial Police Officer quotes the ministry as saying that there is likelihood of an increase in sectarian incidents.

Interior Secretary Kamal Shah could not be contacted for comments on the report. A message was left with his staff by this reporter, but the call was not returned till the filing of this report on Wednesday night.

The provincial home department’s letter to the PPO quotes the threat assessment report as saying: “Karachi will remain a hub of sabotage acts by RAW. Another sponsored killing of a prominent religious personality is being planned. Attempts are also under way to further exacerbate the existing confrontation between the MQM and the religious parties in Karachi.”

In the letter, the sources said, the ministry had asked the provinces to prepare contingency plans to deal with the threat. It said that arrangements should be made to pre-empt and foil terrorist attacks. It asked chiefs of police in all districts to immediately make fool-proof security arrangements at railway stations, airports, bus stops, foreign installations, places of worship and crowded areas.

“It is imperative that besides taking necessary precautionary and preventive measures, pre-emptive strikes are made.”

The letter also asked intelligence agencies to mobilise their resources and remain extra-vigilant.