RAWALPINDI: The Punjab home department has directed all regional police officers (RPO) across the province to tighten security around PTI leadership during intercity movement and public gatherings.

The directive was issued in response to a complaint lodged by former Punjab governor and PTI leader Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar citing threats to himself as well as other party leaders.

Mr Sarwar sent a letter to the interior ministry, the Punjab government and intelligence agencies citing threats to himself and other party members, including Abdul Aleem Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

According to security sources, the former provincial governor also cited the suicide attack on Punjab home minister Shuja Khanzada in Attock. He expressed fears that the PTI leadership may face the same fate.

When contacted, Rawalpindi RPO Mohammad Sultan Raja said the provincial government had already directed police to provide security to the political leadership, especially when attending public meetings or visiting constituencies.

“Political leaders had been directed to inform the local police before attending public meetings, so that appropriate security may be provided to them,” the RPO said.

He added that political leaders from the ruling and opposition parties have been asked to restrict movement in the wake of the prevailing security situation.

He said that the police will provide them with security when they attend public meetings or whenever they required it.

In addition to PTI leadership, PML-N leaders and senior police officials leading the National Action Plan (NAP) to curb terrorism are also facing similar threats from militant groups.

Intelligence agencies have already asked the relevant authorities to take appropriate security measures for the protection of political leadership and government functionaries.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2015

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