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How much is Pakistan govt spending on Imran Khan’s security?

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  • Islamabad IG Dr Akbar Nasir admits there are reports of threats to Imran Khan’s life.
  • Says 266 security personnel had been deputed for security of PTI chairman.
  • Stresses Imran Khan’s security issue should not be made political issue.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Wednesday admitted that there were reports of threats to ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s life and informed the Senate Committee on Interior that 266 security personnel had been deputed for security of the PTI chairman, which costs the government Rs20 million per month.

The IGP told the committee that the Frontier Constabulary, Rangers, Islamabad Police, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police and Gilgit-Baltistan police, personnel from two private security companies were also performing security responsibilities of the former premier. He said all security personnel were working under the Islamabad police command.

He also informed the committee that the other former prime ministers, Ch Shujaat Hussain, Yusuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had been provided security protection of five security men, each.

IGP Akbar Nasir provided these details in the form of a report sought by Committee Chairman Moshin Aziz, who took a suo moto notice on reports of withdrawal of security from ex-PM Imran Khan.

The meeting was chaired by Moshin Aziz, and attended by Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Minister of State for Law and Justice Shahadat Awan, and senators including Maula Bakhsh Chandio, Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, Faisal Javed, Dr Waseem Shahzad, Azam Swati, Ejaz Chaudhry, Saifullah Abro, Fauzia Arshad, Kamil Ali Agha and Dilawar Khan, besides the interior ministry officials.

The IGP told the committee that when it came to bringing the police from Punjab, “we forbade them because they were not coming as per the prescribed procedure and could become a threat to each other”.

The IGP said the issue of security of former prime ministers was important, their security issue should not be made political issue and considering the sensitivity of the matter, it should not be discussed in the media.

He told the committee that there was a procedure to provide security and agencies were also involved in the process, and all procedures were being adopted in accordance with the law and security was being provided to former PM according to the same procedure.

Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed suggested that whenever the PTI had any concerns regarding the security of Imran Khan, they should directly consult the IG Police Islamabad. Chief Commissioner Islamabad Captain (retd) Muhammad Usman told the meeting that the private security company did not comply with the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Interior and its licence had also expired. “According to the rules, every person assigned security duties must have a security clearance,” he told the committee.

The committee was told that the licences of two private security companies had been cancelled due to a minor mistake, but they were still performing their duties.

The chief commissioner said that the authority to cancel the licence rested with the Ministry of Interior. Chairman Senate’s Committee on Interior Mohsin Aziz said that Imran Khan was a world leader. He had spoken on the issue of Islamophobia all over the world, and everyone had appreciated his efforts.

He said that when Imran Khan talks about Islam, the whole Islamic world considers him as their leader. He said Imran Khan says “absolutely not” to the United States and spoke of supporting peace and avoiding wars.

The committee chairman said that the security agencies and the police themselves had said that Imran Khan’s life was in danger; so it was illegal and inappropriate to withdraw security from him in such a situation.

He questioned why the private security guards, who were performing duties with Imran Khan, were removed and the security licence of the private security agency was revoked illegally. He said that Gilgit-Baltistan security officials, who were Imran Khan’s security, were withdrawn.

Senator Moshin Aziz had invited four PTI senators on a special invitation who were not member of the committee. Senator Maula Bakhsh Chandio, Senator Azam Tarar, Senator Shahadat Awan and Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed of the ruling coalition raised objections that it was not a meeting of the PTI for which so many people had been invited.

During the meeting, harsh words were exchanged between senators from the treasury and the opposition sides, but both sides also apologised to each other later on.

Minister of State for Law and Justice Senator Shahadat Awan said that full security was being provided to former PM as per the requirement. Instead of calling a meeting, the committee chairman could have directly asked the IGP about the issue. “An hour-long meeting costs Rs15 lakh from the national exchequer,” he added.

Chairman Committee Moshin Aziz said that two days ago, a letter was written to the interior secretary for participation in the meeting. But he excused himself from participation, and even did not send any joint or deputy secretary. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah was also invited eight times, but he did not come attend meeting even for single time.

Senator Ejaz Chaudhry said that it was inappropriate to withdraw the security of Imran Khan, as there were threats to his life. “There can be no more injustice than this, protocol is being given to Maryam Nawaz Sharif, but security is not being given to the former prime minister,” he added.

Senator Kamil Ali Agha said that the issue of Imran Khan’s security was sensitive and should be taken seriously as Shaheed Benazir Bhutto also had security threat and the names were also revealed. “This issue should be seen above the party affiliation,” he said.

Kamil Ali Agha said that 2,200 personnel were assigned the security of former PM Nawaz Sharif, whose annual expenditure was Rs4.5 billion.

He said that today the interior minister should have come to the committee meeting because there were allegations that Imran Khan’s private security had also been removed. “If the officials of the Ministry of Interior did not come to the committee meeting, it would give the impression that they want to kill Imran Khan,” he added.

Senator Azam Swati said that it was also said in the high court that Imran Khan’s life was in danger. “Under these circumstances, we all have to do our duty and the voice of this committee should be paid heed and Imran Khan’s security should be provided according to his personality.

“The enemies are too many and the threats to Imran Khan should be kept in mind,” he advised. Senator Maula Bakhsh Chandio said that “we are not enemies of Imran Khan’s security, and are not among those who distributed sweets on the martyrdom of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.”

Leader of the house in the Senate Azam Nazir Tarar said that there were concerns for the flood victims, but Imran Khan’s rallies were being held and abuses were being hurled. “This forum is not for discussing such matters,” he said.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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