KARACHI, Oct 17: The modalities and execution of a plan to ensure safety and security of Benazir Bhutto, chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party and former prime minister, were discussed threadbare at two separate meetings held at the provincial home department ahead of her arrival in the city from abroad on Thursday.

The meetings were held between officials of the law-enforcement agencies and the PPP’s security team on Oct 12 and 16.

Giving details of the meetings, official sources said the PPP team was informed that Ms Bhutto was under threat primarily from the Al Qaeda-linked groups like Taliban and Jihadi outfits which might to carry out suicide attacks, shooting, etc.

The PPP team suggested that as per its own perception, there was a possibility of attacks with some explosive-laden vehicle, rockets or firearms that being used by snipers or sharpshooters.

The PPP team was advised that their programme of traversing the distance from the airport to the Mazar-i-Quaid in 18 hours would unnecessarily expose Ms Bhutto to such threats. The slow moving rally could be an easy target for any group planning to carry out an attack. The law-enforcement agencies maintained that security for an extended period of time could not sustain. As such, the PPP team was advised to curtail the travel time to a minimum period, the sources said.

It was pointed out that PPP’s demand for presidential-level security was untenable because if the VVIP security was provided then the organisers of the rally would have no role to play. In that case, the security personnel could change the route of the rally, mode of transport and method of security as per the requirement of the plan.

According to the sources, the agencies suggested that everyone would be subjected to a body search; use of mobile phone close to the VIP would not be allowed and access to the rally route would be controlled strictly. These measures might not suit the PPP, which would not accept the plan.

The home secretary insisted that the threat was “real” and “very grave”, maintaining that it should be taken very seriously. He suggested that Ms Bhutto be exposed to the risk for a minimum possible time.

The security inputs from the federal government regarding the gravity of threat were also conveyed to PPP representatives.

However, the PPP team was assured that the government of Sindh would provide the best security available.

Code of conduct

Subsequent to the meeting held on Oct 12, the PPP on Wednesday issued the agreed upon code of conduct for the participants of all the welcome rallies to maintain peace and security on the occasion.

“Good order and discipline should be maintained during the procession and organisers shall cooperate with the officials of the law-enforcing agencies,” Syed Qaim Ali Shah, President of the Sindh PPP, said.

According to the code of conduct, organisers of the rally shall be responsible for maintaining peace and ensuring a smooth movement of the procession without disturbing public/private properties.

Any suspicious activity should immediately be reported to the personnel of the law-enforcement agencies. Organisers of the rally should cooperate in security search and identification of any potential threats.

Regular flow of traffic shall not be disturbed during the rally. No attempt shall be made for using private vehicles for the purpose of the rally.

No provocative speeches shall be made against the state, government and organs of the state.

The usual business activity shall not be disturbed in any manner and no attempt shall be made for any forcible closure of shops/markets.

Carrying and display of weapons and (indulging in) firing into the air is strictly prohibited.

Participants should refrain from damaging any public and private property and scaling the walls of government buildings and sensitive installations of the armed forces located on Sharea Faisal.

Wall-chalking, raising of slogans and fixing of banners that may hurt the sentiment of any ethnic/religious/political group or party must be avoided.

Organisers of the rally shall ensure a smooth flow of procession.

Wall-chalking and banners shall be removed after the event is over.—APP