Interior minister questions efficiency of security agencies

Chaudhry Nisar visits POF disregarding ‘threats of suicide attack’

ISLAMABAD: In the wake of a brewing crisis in civil-military ties over the Dawn Leaks report, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has questioned the ‘efficiency’ of security agencies, saying if they could not secure sensitive installations like Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), then questions would be raised on their performance.

“I was informed that there were serious threats of a suicide attack over here. I said if a POF’s worker is not secure, then the safety of three [federal] ministers is also in the hands of Allah. We will visit the POF under any circumstances,” Nisar said while addressing POF workers at Wah Cantonment on Monday.

Nisar was referring to himself and Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and Minister of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Chaudhry Muhammad Barjees Tahir who accompanied him.



Nisar said he had learnt about two terrorists who were arrested in the area and two suicide jackets recovered Monday morning. “I was advised by the security agencies against visiting the area,” he said.

However, the minister told them he had made a commitment with POF workers to express solidarity with them on International Labour Day.

“My position does not allow me to share many other things; otherwise, I have a lot to comment over these circumstances,” he added. “I came here to express solidarity with the POF workers. I don’t know what kind of fears one holds. There had been a drama going on here for the past three to four days and I have no knowledge about these developments as I was out of the federal capital,” Nisar added.



On the occasion, the interior minister also announced a special package for POF workers, including a 25% increase in their basic pay and two additional advance increments. He said the incentives would cost the national exchequer Rs1.20 billion.

Nisar said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif always harboured soft corner for workers and added that the government would leave no stone unturned in making sure that workers and their families were treated well.

He assured them that the decision like privatisation would be taken only after holding consultation with workers’ representatives. He said the government would not impose any decision on workers.



Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain said welfare and prosperity of workers was a top priory of the government.

He said the PML-N government was adhering to the agenda of fulfilment of basic necessities of the workers' community.