Pakistan

K-P govt recalls Imran's security from Lahore residence

Faraz says 'serious threats to Imran's life, responsibility on Sana, his puppets' if something happens to PTI chief

Our Correspondent January 27, 2023

PTI Chairman Imran Khan addressing K-P lawmakers through a video link from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on Saturday. SCREENGRAB

LAHORE:

The caretaker government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Friday recalled the K-P security personnel of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

After the Wazirabad attack on the former prime minister, 50 police personnel from K-P were deployed for the security of the PTI chief in Punjab.

As per reports, following the appointment of the caretaker Punjab chief minister on January 22, the provincial government had sent a letter to the K-P government on January 24 to withdraw the security.

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While talking to the media, PTI leader Shibli Faraz also confirmed the news and said that a letter has been received from the Punjab government in which the security of Imran Khan has been withdrawn.

Faraz added that the former premier's security is "his right" as earlier the police had written a letter apprising him of threats on his life, adding that if “something happens to Imran, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and puppet government will be responsible”.

عمران خان کی سیکیورٹی پر تعینات خیبر پختونخوا پولیس کو واپس لے لیا گیا، عمران خان کی جان کو شدید خطرات لاحق ہیں، ذمہ داری رانا ثناءاللہ اور اسکی کٹھ پتلیوں پر عائد ہوگی، @shiblifaraz pic.twitter.com/0mk0jOz98j
— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 27, 2023

The ousted PM had sustained multiple injuries in a gun attack in Wazirabad on November 3, 2022, while leading his 'Haqeeqi Azadi' march towards Islamabad.

One person died in the shooting, while several members of the PTI chairman’s close circle, including Faisal Javaid, Imran Ismail, Ahmad Chattha and Imran Yousaf were also injured.

In view of the security concerns of Imran Khan, a security wall was constructed outside his residence in Lahore and security was enhanced outside the PTI chief’s residence in Zaman Park after a security alert was issued by the Special Branch.

Furthermore, check posts were also set up at the entry and exit points of Zaman Park, and more security cameras were also installed to ensure safety.

A special desk was also set up to keep a record of visitors to Imran's residence. Authorities also posted women police officers for checking at entry points.

In addition to the deployment of heavy contingents of Punjab Police, a special squad of Elite Police Commandoes from K-P also reportedly took over the responsibility of the innermost security cordon at Imran’s residence.