Asma Jahangir gets VIP security after ‘foreign intervention’
Request for her protection likely originates in the UN.
ISLAMABAD:
After an alleged plot to assassinate rights activist Asma Jahangir was uncovered last month, the interior ministry has started providing her security. The request had been made by the foreign ministry, most likely originating in the UN.
Recently, the UN’s top human rights body appointed three independent experts, including Jahangir, to conduct a fact-finding mission on how Israel’s West Bank settlements affect the Palestinians. Jahangir is also representing former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani before the Supreme Court in the Memogate scandal.
Jahangir, who is also former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, confirmed to The Express Tribune that the government has provided her with security. She added that she wasn’t allowed to share details because of the threats to her life.
Asked about the nature of threats, Jahangir quickly pointed a finger at the country’s premier intelligence agency. Responding to a question, Jahangir said she could not confirm whether the move to provide security was made on the government’s initiative or due to the UN’s concerns regarding her safety.
Jahangir is known for her struggle against military dictatorships and her vocal stance on human rights issues.
Foreign Office spokesperson Moazzam Ali Khan said it was routine for them to entertain requests from foreign delegations or human rights bodies for security, and to subsequently communicate the concerns to relevant quarters.
The letter the Foreign Office sent to the interior ministry suggests that under the circumstances, Jahangir is facing serious threats to her life which merit special arrangements for her protection.
An Intelligence Bureau official told The Express Tribune that after receiving the letter from the Foreign Office, the interior ministry immediately deployed security personnel outside Jahangir’s residence in Lahore. The official said VIP security is also available to Jahangir now so that she could travel safely.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2012.
After an alleged plot to assassinate rights activist Asma Jahangir was uncovered last month, the interior ministry has started providing her security. The request had been made by the foreign ministry, most likely originating in the UN.
Recently, the UN’s top human rights body appointed three independent experts, including Jahangir, to conduct a fact-finding mission on how Israel’s West Bank settlements affect the Palestinians. Jahangir is also representing former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani before the Supreme Court in the Memogate scandal.
Jahangir, who is also former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, confirmed to The Express Tribune that the government has provided her with security. She added that she wasn’t allowed to share details because of the threats to her life.
Asked about the nature of threats, Jahangir quickly pointed a finger at the country’s premier intelligence agency. Responding to a question, Jahangir said she could not confirm whether the move to provide security was made on the government’s initiative or due to the UN’s concerns regarding her safety.
Jahangir is known for her struggle against military dictatorships and her vocal stance on human rights issues.
Foreign Office spokesperson Moazzam Ali Khan said it was routine for them to entertain requests from foreign delegations or human rights bodies for security, and to subsequently communicate the concerns to relevant quarters.
The letter the Foreign Office sent to the interior ministry suggests that under the circumstances, Jahangir is facing serious threats to her life which merit special arrangements for her protection.
An Intelligence Bureau official told The Express Tribune that after receiving the letter from the Foreign Office, the interior ministry immediately deployed security personnel outside Jahangir’s residence in Lahore. The official said VIP security is also available to Jahangir now so that she could travel safely.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2012.