ISLAMABAD, Oct 30: The interior ministry has directed the four provincial governments to make “foolproof security arrangements” for the chief of the People’s Party after the federal government received intelligence reports that an attempt on Benazir Bhutto’s life was a “possibility”.

Sources in the ministry told Dawn that the directive to the provincial governments stated men aged between 25 and 30 might try to assassinate Ms Bhutto.

The authorities concerned had been told to caution Ms Bhutto against accepting bouquet or any other gift from crowds, the sources said.

According to PPP officials, their leader, too, had received letters threatening her with murder while travelling or even at her home. One of the letters said even a woman suicide bomber could target Benazir Bhutto.

The PPP suspects Al Qaeda’s hand behind the threats.