Authorities have closed the International Airport in the provincial capital Peshawar amid threats of possible terrorist attacks against civilian flights.
"The authorities have been directed by the provincial government there to shut down the Peshawar airport after an intelligence report warning of possible terror attacks by militants," Zahid Khan, a senior lawmaker of ruling Awami National Party (ANP) told Press TV on Wednesday.
The closure followed a threat of attacks on passenger aircraft from the pro-Taliban militants who have been launching bombing attacks across Pakistan to put an end to the ongoing military operation in the violent northwest.
The Tehrik-e-Taliban in Darra Adamkhel, led by a former Lashkar-e-Jhangvi member, had set a Monday deadline for the military to halt its attack.
Instead, Islamabad evacuated domestic and international departure lounges of the airport and a contingent of security forces was deployed to guard the airport.
The Civil Aviation Authority issued a notice on Wednesday, advising all national and international airlines to cancel their flights to Peshawar International Airport until further notification. It asked the carriers to divert their flights to Islamabad.
On Wednesday, military officials said dozens of militants -- including a top commander -- were killed in clashes in Malakand and 17 others were arrested in the northwestern region.
In Galgut area in the state of Dir, security forces killed 20 terrorists and seized a cache of arms and ammunition.
The military also kept pounding militant hideouts in Sentaga, Wali Noor, and Khujdarkhel areas in Banuu, killing at least 10 pro-Taliban insurgents.
Pakistan has seen a fresh spate of terror attacks and deaths of scores of people in bombings since the military began its anti-Taliban campaign in the northwestern Swat valley in April 26.
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