Rs85m public money being spent on VVIP security in Punjab
Ziaullah Niazi
LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved a hefty amount of Rs85 million to enhance the security of VVIPs, especially of the prime minister, the chief minister and their families, The News has learnt.
A six-member supervisory body, headed by the additional IGP Special Branch will look into affairs of installation of security equipments at the residences and camp offices of the prime minister and chief minister. The other members of the supervisory body include the DIG Security, SP Security, SP Operation, chief security officer and consultant VVIP Security.
Security equipments will be installed at the 189-Y Block, Defence residence of the PM, 180-H Model Town, camp office of CM Punjab, the Sharifsà 181-H Model Town residence and the CM secretariats at 7&8 Club Road, GOR-I and 90 Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam. Moreover, a guardroom will also be constructed at these places and additional police force will be deployed.
Sources in the Punjab government stated that Punjab Police had demanded the said amount from the Finance Department for the purchase of security equipments to protect the lives and property of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and their families. The Finance Department forwarded the summary to the Chief MinisterÃs Secretariat for approval. The chief minister has approved the summary and directed the departments concerned to improve the security arrangements for the VVIPs and their families.
Interestingly, a few days ago, the Model Town residence of Shahbaz Sharif has been again declared as the CMÃs camp office and in this regard a notification has been issued.
Security equipments, including metal detectors, vehicle scanners, CCTV cameras and searchlights will be purchased for this office. Sources say the location has been declared camp office a few days back only to get security equipments from public money installed here.
Chief Secretary Nasir Mahmood Khosa, when contacted, said, ìI have no idea. Ask the home secretary about it.î When this scribe called Home Secretary Shahid Khan, he said that it was not an appropriate time to call him and disconnected the call by giving a warning not to call me at this time again.
Finance Secretary Tariq Bajwa said the summary was not initiated by the Finance Department and advised the correspondent to contact those who had initiated or approved the summary.
However, Secretary Information Mohyuddin Wani confirmed that the Chief minister Punjab had approved the summary for the enhancement of security for himself and the prime minister and the families. He said security equipments would be purchased with the amount which would be installed at the camp offices and residences of the PM, the CM and the Punjab Assembly as well.
Source: The News
Date:7/18/2011
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