PM Shehbaz Sharif orders foolproof security for Imran Khan
Directs Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to personally monitor and ensure PTI chief’s security
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On the report of a security threat to PTI Chairman and former premier Imran Khan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered the authorities concerned to ensure foolproof measures for his safety, asking Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to personally monitor and ensure the implementation of his orders regarding Imran Khan’s security.
The 24NewsHD TV channel reported citing informed sources that the interior ministry had issued an emergency letter to the home secretaries of the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan on the directives of the prime minister in this regard.
The interior ministry also issued instructions to the Islamabad inspector general of police and chief commissioner regarding strict security measures for the safety of Imran Khan.
“Wherever Imran Khan goes across the country, strict security measures for his safety should be ensured,” said an emergency letter issued from the interior ministry.
“The presence of security officials including bomb disposal squad should be ensured outside Imran Khan’s Banigala residence,” the letter instructed the authorities.
“No negligence regarding security to Imran Khan’s rallies, processions and public activities will be tolerated,” it warned.
The prime minister’s directive came a day after Lahore Deputy Commissioner had stopped Imran Khan from appearing physically at the PTI’s rally in the city today. The DC’s action was prompted by serious threat alerts issued by the intelligence agencies.
The DC Lahore’s office has written a letter to the PTI leadership on the matter and suggested Imran Khan address the PTI rally at Minar-e-Pakistan virtually (by video link).
In the letter, it was stated that due to security concerns at the Minar-e-Pakistan rally, PTI Chairman Imran Khan should address this through a video link, and not go to the meeting place.
It is to be noted that after Peshawar and Karachi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is going to hold a big public meeting at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore for which preparations are in the final stages.
Pertinent to mention here that in the DC Office letter, it is stated, “In light of severe threat alerts received from security agencies and as per latest intelligence assessment made at the district and provincial levels it is recommended that ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan should address the public gathering virtually by video conference and LED display instead of making a physical appearance at Greater Iqbal Park, Lahore on 21 April 2022. It is requested that timely and effective action on the above is ensured to avoid any untoward incident.”
Reporter: Awais Kiyani