Looming threat: Police protection for VIPs withdrawn

Politicians, peace committee members express safety concerns.

MINGORA: Upon the provincial election commission’s orders, police personnel providing security to political leaders, peace committee members and other VIPs across Malakand division have been withdrawn.

Community police and regular police personnel who were posted on security details have been directed to report to their respective police stations instead.

The decision, however, was condemned by politicians and peace militia members who claimed they were still receiving threats from militants, adding the situation in Swat was not yet peaceful to withdraw support.

“It is strange to withdraw our security personnel as we are in direct conflict with militants for the sake of this land,” said Idrees Khan, President of Nepkikhel Aman Jirga. “Security must not be taken away from peace militia or defence committee members as they are under direct threat from the Taliban.”

Khan added continuous dialogues are being held with authorities to shed light on the seriousness of the matter.



Outgoing members of the Awami National Party (ANP) are equally unhappy with the move as, they too, claim of being targeted by militants.

“Our party is constantly under threat as it has made sacrifices to root out militancy from the province,” said Rahmat Ali, a former member of the provincial assembly elected from Swat. “Seeing the uncertain security situation in Swat, we will try to convince higher authorities not to withdraw support.”

ANP leaders are of the opinion that private guards cannot perform protection duties adequately because the threat of militants is too great.

An official of the DPO office said the Election Commission Office had given instructions to reduce security. “Except for four community police officers and one regular police official, all other personnel have been withdrawn,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2013.