PESHAWAR: The police have advised Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain to limit his movements and hire private guards in view of the prevailing security situation in the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to police sources, the Pabbi police in Nowshera issued a circular on May 15, asking the senior ANP leader to adopt strict security measures for his protection.

The measures include installation of CCTV cameras and the placement of concertina wire on the boundary wall of his residence. Mr Hussain was also advised to avoid unnecessary visits to sensitive areas unless security arrangements had been coordinated in advance with the local administration and police.

The circular directed him to ensure that his driver remained in the vehicle at all times and stayed alert during travel.

Police further asked the ANP leader to coordinate with law enforcement agencies before attending political gatherings and public events. He was also advised to refrain from making provocative statements or hate speech that could create tension or disturb public order.

The circular urged Mr Hussain to cooperate with the police during checking, route clearance and implementation of security protocols. “You should remain vigilant regarding suspicious persons, unattended objects or unusual activities and immediately report such matters to the authorities concerned,” the circular stated.

Police also advised him to avoid the unnecessary display of arms, use of unauthorised armed escorts and violation of security procedures.

In addition, he was asked to use social media responsibly and avoid sharing unverified information, rumours or inflammatory content that could create panic among the public.

The circular further urged him to play a constructive role in promoting peace, harmony and unity in the current situation.

Police also recommended that he engage private security guards to remain alert around the clock.

Sources said similar threat alerts had been issued to Mr Hussain on several occasions in the past.

Mr Hussain, a former provincial information minister, has been a vocal opponent of militancy and terrorism. His only son, Mian Rashid Hussain, was killed in a terrorist attack in 2010. Mr Hussain himself has survived several attempts on his life.

The ANP has consistently spoken out against militancy and has repeatedly called for the effective implementation of the National Action Plan to eliminate terrorism. Attempts to contact the relevant police officials for comments were unsuccessful.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2026