PESHAWAR: It is usual to receive greeting cards and messages on religious festive occasions but for Mian Iftikhar Hussain usually Eid greetings and security warning come together just in time to ruin it further for him since already he has been observing this occasion in a solemn manner after he lost his only son to terrorists some seven years ago.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain, former provincial minister and general secretary of ANP, is one of the country’s top politicians, who are on the hit-list of terrorists almost a decade later. Despite threats, he and his friend late Bashri Bilour, another ANP leader killed in bomb blast, used to race to make it to the spot of bombing to solace victims and their families as well as respond to the terrorist attack with strong statements against attackers. Mr Hussain, though out of government now, continues to do so.

On every Eid when people are planning to meet up and enjoy the holiday with their families and friends, Mr Hussain receives a sugar-coated warning letter, not dated since it has become an annual practice, not to mingle with people unnecessarily.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain receives security warning along with greeting regularly

The letter issued from the office of district police officer of Nowshera reads like an Eid greeting in the start but then gives warning to the senior politician to be cautious and careful about his personal security.

“I would like to take this opportunity and extend my heartfelt greetings on this auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr, I would like to bring into your kind notice that keeping in view the current security scenario…..I would request you to be highly cautious and careful about your personal security,” says the letter issued by the DPO Nowshera and then goes on to suggest some security measures advising the public representative to restrict his movement and not meet people unnecessarily.

The letter suggesting security measures again wishes a happy and joyful Eid to him and his family.

Mr Hussain, who himself was a bit amazed at a letter having no date or reference, first thought it was a joke but then had to contact the police to verify that it was actually they who sent the letter warning him to stay vigilant and careful for his personal security. The police owned the letter.

Mr Hussain is, however, convinced that for the last two years or so such a security warning has become a regular feature on such occasions, so if government is issuing him a warning, there must be some solid reason behind it.

He shared few years ago he even saw recordings and reports about a foiled suicide terrorist attack planned to kill him. It was enough to convince him that such warnings should not be taken lightly. He was given few policemen, who were providing him security. His only bullet-proof vehicle was destroyed by enraged PTI workers during a protest in Pabbi Town during local government elections.

Such letters no doubt spoil the Eid festivity but Mr Hussain already observes such occasions quietly after losing his only son Mian Rashid Hussain in 2010 in a terror attack apparently to take revenge from him for his active political role in fighting militancy that engulfed Swat and Buner along with many other districts of the province during the ANP government.

“Since 2010 after losing my son, I don’t meet people much at my Hujra to receive greetings like people normally do,” said the ANP leader. With little family or friends interaction on festive occasion of Eid, he relies on mobile phone to send and receive Eid greetings and messages. Security measures suggest he should refrain from going to mosque for Eid prayers or sit in a public guest house to meet people.

With little arrangements for his personal security by the government, Mr Hussain still has no complaints against the government or even his own political party.

“All my party members and leaders themselves are faced with a similar situation,” he said without decrying any lack of support from his party colleagues. However, he didn’t know whether they were also receiving such warnings on regular basis.

Mr Hussain has no special plans for Eid and will be observing it quietly and perhaps alone.

His life is a personification of fight against terrorism. It is not the heinous plan of the invisible terrorists but the lack of visible public support for such political leaders that is hurdle in unity in this fight to win it.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2017