M Zulqernain.

Lahore, July 9 Three airlines from the Middle East– Gulf Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways – have suspended their operation from Peshawar airport in northwest Pakistan citing security reasons.

Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Pervez George said the three airlines had stopped their operations to and from Peshawar airport"temporarily".

"The airlines have not given any specific reason for suspending their operations but they have assured us that it will be for a few days only," George said.

However, an employee of Gulf Air told PTI that the airline had made the decision following news reports that the Taliban might try to target commercial aircraft. The reports said some detained militants had disclosed the Taliban&aposs plans in this regard.

The three airlines will divert their operations to Islamabad airport.

Last month, Pakistani authorities had closed the Peshawar airport for all domestic and international flights for several days due to terror threats.

Peshawar, the capital of the North West Frontier Province, has witnessed several bombings and suicide attacks since the army launched operations against the Taliban in Swat and nearby areas in May.