LAHORE: Showing lack of trust in the Punjab police, Pakistan People’s Party patron-in-chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has tasked Sindh police commandos with his security for his Lahore visit next week.

The party sources said senior leadership had a decision that the Sindh police commandos would provide security to Mr Bilawal in the provincial capital of Punjab.

“After threats from Lashkar-e-Jhangvi last month and subsequent poor response from the Punjab government to address the PPP’s concern, Mr Bilawal cannot trust the Punjab police for his security during his week-long visit to Lahore (at Bilawal House Bahria Town),” a senior PPP leader told Dawn.

Bilawal had postponed his visit following threats from the LeJ. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has already announced that his government would provide “foolproof” security to Mr Bilawal on his visit to Lahore.

PPP Punjab President Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo told a press conference here on Saturday that the party leadership had finalised Bilawal’s visit.

He said: “Former president Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto are coming here next week and will hold meetings with workers of all districts.

“The PPP Punjab will celebrate the occasion and has formed cultural, publicity, organisation and monitoring committees for the purpose. We will decorate the city roads with party flags, banners and flexes.

“It will be a launch of Mr Bilawal in Punjab. He will hold party workers meeting at the Bilawal House and also address the May 1 rally.”

On Saturday, the PPP Punjab Executive Committee discussed arrangements for the visit.

The divisional coordinators, district presidents and office-bearers have been directed to start preparations and motivate workers in this regard.

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