‘Unnecessary’ privileges: Elaborate security cover for top cops

Large number of policemen deployed at personal residences of senior police officers.

ISLAMABAD: Soon after taking over the interior ministry, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had directed all ‘unnecessary’ security be taken back from former ministers and parliamentarians. However, some senior police officers continue to enjoy large retinues of police at their residences.

Last week, the interior minister told the Senate that he had taken back ‘unnecessary’ security from parliamentarians and other VIPs except for the prime minister, president and chief justice.



He cited this move as one of the possible reasons for the opposition’s boycott from the upper house of parliament.  Senate Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bokhari has already expressed his concern over Nisar’s directives keeping in view his state position, which is third after the prime minister and president.

Nisar, in response to a question raised by ANP Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel, presented before the House a list of security personnel deployed at the residences of senior police officers, including retired ones. Sources revealed that majority of the personnel deployed at the residences were involved in household chores.

Former ministers and sitting parliamentarians have repeatedly raised concerns over their reduced security. The interior ministry, however, cites lack of staff for this move.

Speaking on condition of anonymity a former IG said that most of the retired officers use their influence and keep security guards after their retirement.

List of police inspectors

According to the list, Inspector General Islamabad Police Sikandar Hayat has six police constables at his residence including one head constable for security.

While four police constables are deputed at the residence of Islamabad DIG Security Division Jan Mohammad, two constables at the residence of SSP Security Division, Islamabad Malik Matloob Ahmed.

Three personnel are deployed at the residence of former DIG ICT Shahid Nadeem Baloch, three at the residence of Waqar Ahmed Chohan, AIG Special Branch, three police constables at the residence of Tahir Alam Khan, former DIG, Islamabad.

Former IG Shoaib Saddal has two constables deputed at his residence. The same number of policemen is deployed at the residence of former IG, Islamabad Chaudhry Iftikhar Ahmed. While one officer each is deputed at the residence of AIG operation, Islamabad Sultan Ahmed Taimori, former SSP security, Islamabad Mir Vais Niaz and Zubair Hashmi former SSP headquarter, ICT.

VIP convoys

According to details, as many as eight police constables, headed by a head constable, are deputed with the IG Islamabad Sikandar Hayyat during his movement. Dr Rizwan, SSP Operations has five policemen each in the first and second shift to escort him during his movement. While, two police constables escort the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) during his movement.

Besides, one police constable was provided to many former police officers for their security. ICT former SSP Islamabad Zafar Iqbal enjoys service of two police constables, who is presently serving as director at the FIA.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th,2013.