ISLAMABAD, July 20: Former federal tourism minister Nilofar Bakhtiar said on Sunday she had received threats of “dire consequences” if she failed “to immediately leave the country along with her family” and sought protection for herself and her family.

Addressing a press conference, Ms Bakhtiar said she would never leave the country and it was the responsibility of the government to provide fool-proof security.

Last year, the Lal Masjid management, which also ran the Jamia Hasfa seminary, had issued a Fatwa against the former minister after she was pictured hugging one of her instructors following a charity paragliding in France.

At that time, the Lal Masjid’s in-charge, Maulana Abdul Aziz had urged the government to sack her for having posed for the photograph which he had termed ‘obscene’.

Threatening calls were also received by the administration of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Press Club where the press conference was to be held. The callers said the club would be attacked if Ms Bakhtiar was allowed to address journalists.

The club administration informed security agencies and a bomb disposal squad scanned the press club building. The press conference was held after security officials cleared the venue but they advised the former minister to “leave the place as soon as possible”.

She said some newspapers had reported that Umm-i-Hassan had issued similar threats. But after the press conference, she said that Umm-i-Hassan had clarified that she was not behind the threats.

Opinion

Editorial

Ill omens
Updated 12 Feb, 2025

Ill omens

One wonders whether institutional leadership realises the long-term ramifications of the ongoing "remaking" of judiciary.
Sunken dreams
12 Feb, 2025

Sunken dreams

ANOTHER tragedy has struck Pakistani migrants seeking a better future. A boat capsizing off the Libyan coast has ...
Hate in India
12 Feb, 2025

Hate in India

HISTORY shows that rulers use hate speech to provoke hate crimes and ‘othering’ among communities. Indian Prime...
IMF scrutiny
Updated 11 Feb, 2025

IMF scrutiny

Strengthening foundations of the economic superstructure will help make the economy competitive and boost growth.
Shadow voices
11 Feb, 2025

Shadow voices

OVER the weekend, another ‘open letter’ addressed to the army chief and attributed to former prime minister ...
Paradise at a premium
11 Feb, 2025

Paradise at a premium

PAKISTAN’S recent triumph at the New York Travel and Adventure Show 2025, winning the Best Partner Pavilion Award,...