Pak Taliban prepares hit list; security agencies on high alert

Islamabad, July 24 (PTI) Pakistan's security and intelligence agencies have been put on high alert following reports that local Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud has prepared a hit list of 300 high-profile figures, including toppolitical leaders.

Among those that could be targeted are the leadership of the ruling Pakistan People's Party, Awami National Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and anti-Taliban Shia and Sunniclerics, said source close to an intelligence agency.

Personnel from intelligence and law enforcement agencies, officials from the federal interior and provincial ministries and journalists could also be targeted by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan of Mehsud, who was blamed for theDecember 27 assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto.

The families of the political leadership and law enforcement personnel are also believed to be at risk, thesources told the Daily Times newspaper.

"Of course this type of information is received from time to time," said C.I.D. chief Saud Mirza, adding that Pakistan is still under threat. "We are in coordination withall the intelligence agencies," he said.

The M.Q.M.'s leadership was alerted by law enforcement agencies when members of the Jundullah militant groups were arrested on charges of attacking the former Corps Commander ofKarachi, Lt. Gen. Ahsan Hayat.

During interrogations, the arrested men confessed that they targeted the M.Q.M.'s leadership as its members wereperceived as "American agents".