I would like to share with your readers an incident with regards to VVIP Protocol and Security in Britain that I witnessed firsthand.
Many years ago, I was with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Exeter, England for a study of the British police system. One day, my conducting officer regretted that there was some change in the briefing schedule as the concerned officer was with the prime minister in the officers’ mess. I was surprised at this information because all the senior officers were present in their offices and a junior officer was sitting with the prime minister.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, also known as the Iron Lady, had been travelling through Exeter. After a long journey, she wanted to have a break. Her security officer informed the police headquarters that the prime minister would like to have a cup of tea at the police officers’ mess, if it was not inconvenient for them (Mess Staff).
The chief constable instructed the superintendent of the police special branch to receive the prime minister and escort her to the officers’ mess for tea. After relaxing for some time in the mess, the prime minister thanked the superintendent for the department’s hospitality and left for London. The prime minister’s cavalcade consisted of only two cars.
When I inquired why the prime minister had not been received by the police chief himself, I was informed that, since it was not an official visit, there was no need for the police chief to receive the prime minister when he had important official business to take care of. Could something like this ever happen in Pakistan?
ASGHAR MAHMOOD
Islamabad
