ISLAMABAD, July 2: The security of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has been tightened and he has been advised to restrict his movement in view of threats to his life.

Sources in the security department told Dawn on Wednesday that the prime minister had been requested to avoid attending public gatherings and to undertake only necessary and urgent activities.

The sources said that the step had been taken in the wake of an intelligence report citing serious threats to the life of the prime minister.

Because of the threat, the entire schedule of the prime minister, including inauguration of projects and visits to different cities, has been cancelled.

Mr Gilani has also been requested to hold meetings and functions in the Prime Minister Secretariat.

The sources also said that security around the United Nations country’s office was tightened after it had received a threatening telephone call. They said that an unidentified caller had said that the building would be blown up.

A bomb disposal squad was asked to scan the building and adjoining areas.

Members of law-enforcement agencies have been deployed around the building.

Senior Superintendent of Islamabad Police Capt (retired) Ahmad Latif told newsmen that security in and around the capital had been beefed up.

He said there was no specific terrorist threat but law-enforcement personnel had taken necessary precautionary measures.