Despite tall claims, 350 security personnel deployed at Bani Gala

Police say PTI chief being provided security meant for VVIPs

ISLAMABAD: Despite claims by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that the government-in-waiting would take austerity measures at all levels, over 350 security personnel have been deployed at party chief Imran Khan's residence in Islamabad.

A police official told The Express Tribune that 250 policemen, 80  Rangers personnel, as well as, between 30 to 40 Frontier Constabulary (FC) officials are also deputed at his residence.

“They're performing security duties in three shifts at his Bani Gala residence,” the source added.

No protocol, no road blockade, driving like an ordinary citizen of Pakistan :: PM elect @ImranKhanPTI along with his comrades passing through the roads of #Peshawar without causing any inconvenience to the Peshawar people #KPKUpdates pic.twitter.com/02bwcJhl1J

— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 7, 2018

The security personnel were deployed soon after the PTI supremo's victory on election day.

The former cricketer's security is being overseen by the capital police’s security division, which handles security for top government functionaries including the president, the prime minister, ministers and judges among others.



On Monday, Imran travelled from his Bani Gala home to the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad for the PTI’s parliamentary committee’s meeting. For this trip, he was given security according to the blue book -- a classified document which spells out security arrangements during movement of VVIPs including the president, the PM and visiting heads of state.

“His route was cleared and a total of 230 police personnel were deployed along the route. The capital police provided five police vehicles including one with signal jammers. This is the security protocol for VVIPs,” the official said.

Police say they had provided normal security to the PTI chief during the election campaign but it was beefed up after his election win.

The official, however, added that the security was being provided to Imran due to security concerns.

Islamabad DIG Security Waqar Chohan did not respond to queries about the police security being provided to Khan.