Schools and universities in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, were closed on January 22 due to the threat of a possible terrorist attack amid a surge in violence ahead of national elections. Sources told the dpa news agency that there were specific threats of attacks on three universities run by the military. The universities have been closed indefinitely. Violence by Islamist militants has surged in Pakistan in recent months ahead of national elections set for February 8. Security has been a cause of concern for some politicians in the run-up to the polls.