LAHORE: In response to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s concern at “non-provision” of security to the province’s chief minister in Faisalabad, the Punjab government has clarified that Ali Amin Gundapur was provided complete security and due protocol despite the fact that he was on a private visit to appear in an anti-terrorism court to seek bails in May 9 cases.

The KP government had written a letter to the Punjab government on August 28, seeking action against the Punjab government officials for “failing” to provide security to Mr Gandapur during his recent visit to Faisalabad.

The KP government in its letter addressing the principal secretary to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz demanded that an inquiry be initiated into the “negligence” shown during Mr Gandapur’s visit.

It stated the police officers concerned were conveyed about the CM’s visit and protocol was sought for him as per the Blue Book. The KP government had warned that “Such inaction of not providing security unilaterally may lead to a rethink”.

The principal secretary to the Punjab CM, in his letter to the KP government on Friday, responded that the provincial government strictly followed the established protocols as per the Blue Book.

It stated the Punjab government had looked into the concerns of the KP government, adding that due security cover and traffic management was ensured during the visit of Mr Gandapur, who appeared before the Faisalabad ATC Judge Mr Shahid Zameer to obtain bail in four cases linked to the events of May 9, 2023.

“Despite the personal nature of this court appearance, comprehensive security arrangements were put in place by the Faisalabad police to ensure the chief minister’s protection throughout his visit,” the principal secretary stated.

Citing the record provided by the office of the Punjab Inspector General of Police, the principal secretary stated that the Faisalabad police deployed one SP, one DSP, one SI, six ASIs, five head constables and 57 constables for the security of the KP chief minister.

The principal secretary stated that the Faisalabad city traffic officer (CTO) was on the route, which was cleared in advance to ensure smooth movement of the KP chief minister.

He stated that the Special Branch had duly carried out a bomb disposal exercise on the court premises before the arrival of Mr Gandapur.

“The Punjab government remains committed to providing security and to prevent any untoward incident in connection with the movement of the KP chief minister, in accordance with the law,” the letter reads.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2024