Death threats: Security beefed up at CM’s residence, office
Sniffer dogs deployed; junior staff no longer allowed visitors.
The entry rights to the secretariat's residence have been restricted. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
The Punjab government has stepped up security arrangements for caretaker chief minister and his family after they received death threats, The Express Tribune has learnt.
Chief Minister Najam Sethi and his family shifted to an official residence in GOR-1 last week. For security purposes, the CM’s office was also shifted to 8 Club Road, GOR-1.
A senior police official said security at CM’s residence and his office had been beefed up to avoid any untoward incident.
Police have deployed four sniffer dogs at the secretariat’s entrance. The entry rights too have been restricted and visitors are only allowed to enter the premises after confirmation from the officers posted with the CM.
Junior staff posted at the secretariat is no longer allowed visitors during office hours.
They also have to leave their cell phones at the reception before entering. Officers in BS-17 and above are allowed to carry their cellular phones. Similarly, staff cars of the deputy secretary, the additional secretary and the secretary are permitted to park inside the secretariat but not others.
The Rs900 million chief minister’s secretariat at 8-Club Road was constructed in 2006.
The building has 46 office suits for the CM, his principal secretary, two special secretaries, four additional secretaries, 13 deputy secretaries, two personal staff officers, 12 section officers and ministerial staff.
There are also two committee rooms, a kitchen and waiting rooms.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2013.
The Punjab government has stepped up security arrangements for caretaker chief minister and his family after they received death threats, The Express Tribune has learnt.
Chief Minister Najam Sethi and his family shifted to an official residence in GOR-1 last week. For security purposes, the CM’s office was also shifted to 8 Club Road, GOR-1.
A senior police official said security at CM’s residence and his office had been beefed up to avoid any untoward incident.
Police have deployed four sniffer dogs at the secretariat’s entrance. The entry rights too have been restricted and visitors are only allowed to enter the premises after confirmation from the officers posted with the CM.
Junior staff posted at the secretariat is no longer allowed visitors during office hours.
They also have to leave their cell phones at the reception before entering. Officers in BS-17 and above are allowed to carry their cellular phones. Similarly, staff cars of the deputy secretary, the additional secretary and the secretary are permitted to park inside the secretariat but not others.
The Rs900 million chief minister’s secretariat at 8-Club Road was constructed in 2006.
The building has 46 office suits for the CM, his principal secretary, two special secretaries, four additional secretaries, 13 deputy secretaries, two personal staff officers, 12 section officers and ministerial staff.
There are also two committee rooms, a kitchen and waiting rooms.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2013.