News Analysis |
Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan has been secured with VVIP security measures by the state machinery meant for the head of state on Thursday, 27th July, two days after his party swept the general polls across the country. Since Mr. Imran Khan is most likely to be elected Prime Minister, assessing by his national address on the 26th of July, security measures were mounted around Mr Khan and his Banigala residence, Police officials told local publications.
Senior police officers including Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Waqar Ahmed Chohan visited Mr Khan’s Banigala house and met with the official supervising his security as well as PTI leader Naeemul Haq. Mr Khan’s chief of staff Naeem Ul Haq assured the police of full cooperation during their meeting, the officers said.
There has also been a security audit of the Banigala house by senior personnel, the police officials said, to ensure that the area is secure enough for a VVIP. Further steps will be taken on recommendations made in the audit report.
The police officials also admitted that there is no standard operating procedure for the Prime Minister-in-waiting, but since Mr Khan is likely to take charge as head of state, security measures have been mounted around him, his home and places where he will go. Concertina wire will also be fixed on the gates and walls of the house, around which the police are being deployed, especially at the front side, in a three-tier security plan.
An ambulance, (fully equipped and with paramedics), and fire-tenders have also been stationed outside his home. The police team scrutinized the residence and the area around it, including the hills. Accordingly, foot patrols have been ordered around his residence, the road leading to it and the green areas nearby, the officers told press.
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A team of police personnel on motorcycles will has also been deployed to canvass the area at all times. In addition, it has been suggested to establish a Rangers observation post in the hills, at points from which Mr Khan’s residence is visible to counter any possible distant targeting. Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) have also been deployed on Banigala roads to prevent congestion or blocked roads and ensure that traffic flows smoothly.
There has also been a security audit of the Banigala house by senior personnel, the police officials said, to ensure that the area is secure enough for a VVIP. Further steps will be taken on recommendations made in the audit report.
For movements, Mr Khan has been given a police escort that comprises of three vehicles of commandos during his movement, which provide him cover from the front and rear. His security team in-charge was asked to give prior detail of his movement so security can be heightened at his destination and along the way, and the security team was also briefed on security and given advice in this regard.