Security protocol: Stuck between old and new VIPs

Facing a shortage of personnel, police weary of providing personal security.

ISLAMABAD:

In a few days, the sirens, the speeding VVIP motorcades and long and irritating road blocks to allow them to pass by uninterrupted will make a return. The two-month reprieve will come to an end once the new ministers and government advisors take office.

Residents of the twin cities must be worried on that account. But surprisingly, it was the police who were most worried. They simply do not have enough manpower to provide security protocol for the new cabinet and other government VIPs.

This is exacerbated by the fact that some of the previous VIPs, including both former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) prime ministers were holding on to the heavy contingents of police and paramilitary deployed for their security.

The police have recently written to the Interior Ministry to withdraw security from VIPs who do not face ‘security threats’ or hold the ‘important’ post any longer. But it seems some of the former rulers are simply addicted to the illusion of power.

Rehman Malik, the former interior minister, is not only holding on to his government residence, but also fighting to get back the security protocol withdrawn from him after his term ended.

Citing ‘security threats’, Malik insisted on staying in his fortified government residence in the Ministers’ Enclave for another month, even though all his former colleagues — including those sharing ‘security threats’ with him — had left.

The former interior minister was never seen travelling without his security protocol of Rangers, Frontier Constabulary (FC) and police officials during the last five years, and it appears he is simply incapable of moving around on his own.

Malik used to keep two Rangers jawans with tremendous moustaches and mighty demeanours at his office in the Interior Ministry. Their only job was to rock the entire floor of the R-Block building with their salutes whenever he went in or out of the office. Malik must be missing them as well.

He was so upset at the withdrawal of his security detail that he instantly ran up to the Presidency with complaints against the authorities. It is said that the intervention of a very influential businessman was key to ensuring the former minster kept his official residence and security protocol. The city police chief did not want to lose his job.

Rehman Malik was not the only one keeping his security protocol. The police have many ‘headaches’ they could not get rid of. These include former prime ministers Yousuf Raza Gillani and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, who have large contingents of police and paramilitary troops with them.

Besides them, President Asif Ali Zardari’s sister and newly-elected MNA Faryal Talpur was also keeping a large contingent of official security with her. Additional troops and police personnel remain deployed at Zardari House in Sector F-8.

Former petroleum adviser Dr Asim Hussain was also keeping security protocol, despite the fact he does not hold any government post at present. Another advisor to the president --- Hasham Riaz --- also enjoys official security protocol.

Topping it off, former President Pervaz Musharraf is being detained at his farmhouse in Chak Shehzad, which is serving as a subjail under heavy security. “It is a constant headache,” said a senior police officer.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2013.