What are you doing about former president’s security?

*Manzoor Wattoo to meet Home Secretary and IGP to request security for Zardari, Bilawal

The PPP provincial leadership is approaching the Punjab government with the request to provide foolproof security to party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and former President Asif Zardari, expected to visit the provincial capital by the end of this week. Both Bilawal Bhutto and Mr Zardari are visiting Punjab anytime between April 21 and April 29, PPP’s provincial Chief Manzoor Wattoo announced the other day. PPP leaders, however came up with conflicting schedule of arrival, as if no one is sure about the actual dates of the arrival, showing the security predicament of the PPP top leaders especially when they are traveling in Punjab.

It is learnt that Manzoor Wattoo has decided to take up the issue security for Bilawal and Zardari. Wattoo is either expected to meet Home Secretary and IGP with request for adequate security cover or he will write letter to these figures, pleading for foolproof security arrangement for the PPP dignitaries during their upcoming visit.

Sources say that Wattoo being former CM Punjab is less likely to personally see these officials. So he will write a detailed letter to these officials, they added.

It is also learnt that PPP leaders would not be relying on the security given by the Punjab government. “They will be provided security by the private guards and also by police commandoes from the Sindh government” sources said.

Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged as to when the visit of Bilawal and Zardari is taking place actually despite laterst announcement of Mr. Wattoo. Some PPP leaders say that it is not possible to give dates of the visit right now.

“Dates cannot be issued due to prevailing circumstances. The Sindh government is into final round of talks with MQM. The party bigwigs are also watching situation developing in the aftermath of attack on Hamid Mir. So it cannot be said with certainty when they are coming” a PPP leader said. But for sure he is coming before the end of this month, he added.

Inspector General of Police Punjab Khan Baig said foolproof security will be provided to PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his visit in the Punjab.

The IGP has contacted with the chief security officer of Bilawal Bhutto in this regard, said a statement issued here on Sunday.