BAJAUR: Authorities here in Bajaur have decided to withdraw police security from elders, lawmakers, political leaders and other influential people with immediate effect, sources in the district police told Dawn on Monday.

They said all the police personnel deployed for security of these personalities had been directed to report to the police lines on Tuesday (today).

The sources said the decision was made on the directives of district police officer Abdul Samad Khan, who believed that most of such people were not eligible for security protocol as they used it symbol of their status.

The sources said about 400 police personnel had been deployed for the purpose, adding officials of the then political administration, who had either retired or serving outside the district, were also enjoying police security.

DPO Abdul Samad Khan, who assumed charge of his office a week ago, has expressed anger after knowing that police security was mostly given to people not eligible for it, and directed withdrawal of policemen deputed on such duty.

The sources said lawmakers and other people were enjoying two to three policemen, and were also using them as personal guards, drivers, helpers and cooks.

According to the sources, a number of low-ranked officials of the administration, police and education department, businessmen and relatives of legislators were also enjoying the police security. Meanwhile, a statement issued by the district police officer said only deserving people would be provided police security in future.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2021