Punjab govt releases Rs364 million for Jati Umra's security

Secret audit reveals Nawaz and Shahbaz’s security inadequate

LAHORE: The Punjab government has released Rs364.4 million for the Sharif family’s security in the Jati Umra town near Lahore.

The funds will be used for reinforcing security and purchasing vehicles. These expenses are in addition to the funds already specified in the current budget for the security of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif; his brother, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif; and their families.



According to government documents, intelligence agencies and the Punjab Communication & Works Department had held a secret audit in the wake of threats to the Sharif family. The survey results concluded that their security was unsatisfactory and that terrorists could take advantage of the weaknesses to attack them.

The provincial government immediately released Rs283.2m for erecting a 4.4-kilometre fence. Ninety CCTV cameras and 100 LED lights will be installed and 20 elevated checkpoints set up. According to sources, Rs197.2m would be spent to set up the fence and checkpoints, while Rs86m on purchase of security equipment.

The government released Rs27.1m for paying the police employees appointed for the Sharif family’s security. Earlier, Rs54m were released in September to purchase 14 vehicles for the security squad of CM Shahbaz.



Up to 2,751 police officials have been appointed for the security of PM Nawaz, the CM and their families. Forty-four officials of the Punjab police are performing security duties at the PM House in Islamabad. They are assigned the duties of chief coordinator of security, chief minister squad Islamabad, Rawalpindi, CM Office GOR-1, Banquet Hall, 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore, CM residence, 96-H, Model Town, Lahore, CM residence, DHA, Lahore, PM residence, Jati Umrah, Raiwind, Lahore, squad Hamza Shahbaz, squad Mrs Nusrat Shahbaz, squad Salman Shahbaz and family, squad Mian Imran Ali Yousaf, squad Begum Tehmina Shahbaz, 51-A, Judicial Colony, Lahore and Punjab House, CM Secretariat GOR-1, 108-H, Model Town and Jati Umrah.

These 2,751 police officials include 2,087 law enforcers working under CCPO Lahore, 169 officials of Punjab Constabulary, 44 from Rawalpindi police, nine from Bhakkar, 62 from traffic police, 33 VVIP security officials of special branch, 88 of special branch and 75 private security officials.



Interior ministry officials said further arrangements were being made for PM Nawaz in the wake of security threats.

(TRANSLATION BY ARSHAD SHAHEEN)

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2015.