ISLAMABAD: New details on threats
against former president Pervez Musharraf, who is soon expected to visit
Islamabad, have required the police and intelligence agencies to increase
security preparations.
The threats and preparations have, however, also exposed tensions in
the state security apparatus. Musharraf’s presence in Pakistan may have already
led to potential risks, with people seeking revenge for military operations in
the tribal areas and the Lal Masjid operation of 2007. Intelligence reports suggest
that two groups of suicide bombers had been sent to attack the former military
ruler; the former was sent to Karachi, and if they failed, the second group was
to “make an attempt” at Benazir Bhutto International Airport.
Citing the fatal December 2007 gun-and-bomb attack on former Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto’s rally at Liaquat Bagh, the intelligence agency
responsible for providing security clearances for “VIP and VVIP movements” has
not given local police permission for a public gathering in the twin cities. The
police have been advised to prevent any public gathering when Musharraf arrives
at Benazir Bhutto International Airport.
City Police Officer Azhar Hameed Khokhar said that Rawalpindi police
were taking “no chances” with the former president’s safety and public law and
order. “Security has been tightened, particularly at the airport,” he said,
adding that “anyone planning such an act will not be able to carry it off”. Intelligence
officials will also
be deployed along the airport road, between the airport and
Islamabad Expressway. Islamabad police have consistently maintained that they
oppose Musharraf’s visit, feeling that it presents unnecessary risks both for
Musharraf himself and for the city.
The interior ministry has added to that feeling by demanding a
contingent of 350 personnel and six vehicles, including a bulletproof car, for
the former president’s security. “We cannot arrange for such a large
contingent,” said an official from the Central Police Office. While personnel
from the reserves will be deployed along the roads, the CPO has asked the
interior ministry to contact the Rangers and Frontier Constabulary regarding
Musharraf’s security force.
The ministry’s demand was a familiar one.
Previously, they had asked the police to provide sizable contingents for the
security of former Prime ministers Raja Pervez Ashraf and Yousaf Raza Gilani. In
that case as well, police cited a shortage of manpower, and the Security Wing
later collected 20 personnel from different installations for the premiers’
security.