ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday issued directives to relevant authorities to ensure foolproof security for former prime minister Imran Khan.
Khan, who was ousted from office via a no-confidence vote on April 10, has demanded early elections and vowed to protest until an election date is not announced. He has held rallies in Peshawar and Karachi since his ouster and is expected to hold a power show in Lahore today, Thursday.
A day before Khan’s rally, the deputy commissioner of Lahore —citing “severe threat alerts” received from security agencies—recommended Khan to address his supporters virtually and not attend the rally.
“PM Shehbaz Sharif has directed Interior Division to take effective and immediate steps for provision of fool-proof security to ex-premier Imran Khan,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The prime minister directed the Ministry of Interior to take immediate and effective steps in light of reports of security threats to Khan, said the statement. It added that the PM has also instructed interior minister Rana Sanaullah to personally monitor the situation and ensure the premier’s directives are implemented.
“As per the prime minister’s directives, the interior minister wrote a letter on an emergency basis to the home secretaries of all four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure strict security measures are taken for Imran Khan,” statement read.
The interior minister directed authorities to ensure foolproof security for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman wherever he travels in the country.
“Negligence and dereliction of duty regarding Imran Khan's security during his public gatherings, rallies and public activities will not be tolerated,” warned the prime minister office.
Khan is scheduled to address a PTI rally at the Greater Iqbal Park in Lahore today, Thursday. This will be his third power show in less than two weeks since he was ousted from office.
