Imran’s residence heavily fortified
Imran Khan is addressing the rally. SCREENGRAB
The Punjab government is taking stringent but costly security measures for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan’s residence at in the Zaman Park area.
According to sources, the former prime minister had a casual attitude towards his security before the recent armed attack on him in Wazirabad. He had also ignored basic measures like a suggestion by the police to use a bulletproof rostrum and shields while addressing the people during his long march.
After being injured in the firing on his container in Wazirabad, Khan was admitted to the Shaukat Khanum Hospital, from where he shifted to his home at Zaman Park and his been staying there. Apparently due to heightened concerns about his security, he has addressed the participants of the march online from his home in Lahore since the attack.
The sources said that Khan, who earlier had ignored requests by senior police regarding his rostrum, had now opted for installation of bulletproof windowpanes at his home.
Reportedly, bulletproof glass for the windows of the residence are being installed after spending over Rs9 million.
In addition, a control room has been set up and a number of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are being installed to ensure the security of the PTI leader.
According to security officials, sandbags have been placed outside the house as a protective measure against gun as sells as bomb attacks.
According to some reports, a bombproof wall will also be constructed around the house.
Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ghulam Mehmood Dogar visited Zaman Park on Tuesday and reviewed the security arrangements.
In addition to the deployment of heavy contingents of Punjab Police, a special squad of Elite Police Commandoes from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has reportedly taken over the responsibility of the innermost security cordon at Khan’s residence.
The sources said the special squad enjoyed the final authority to screen the entry of people, including policemen and government officials into the premises.
On the other hand, a joint investigation team (JIT) formed to probe into the Wazirabad attack has yet to hold a meeting. Punjab Police Inspector General Faisal Shahkar had requested the constitution of the JIT. However, two days after registration of the first information report (FIR) of the incident, he left on ex-Pakistan leave.
The Punjab government had notified a JIT with Deputy IG Tariq Rustam Chohan as the convener. However, the team was changed within a day and Dera Ghazi Khan Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Khuram Ali was appointed its convener.
However, the JIT has not begun its formal proceedings.
Tightened security measures have been taken after an assassination attempt on PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Wazirabad
One person had died in the incident, while several members of the PTI chairman’s close circle, including Senator Faisal Javed, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Ahmad Chattha and Imran Yousaf, were injured.
Breaking his silence on the matter, the PTI chairman had alleged that three people – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and a senior military officer, were behind the botched assassination attempt on his life.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 16th, 2022.