‘Leaked’ itinerary could put Imran Khan’s life at risk

ISLAMABAD: The security code of conduct to protect the life of Prime Minister Imran Khan was breached when a notification of his upcoming day’s schedule was made public on the social media.

A notification titled ‘Prime Minister’s Tentative Programme’ for September 16 (Sunday), 2018, was leaked to the media which unveiled all the activities, meetings and engagements of the government’s senior-most leader.

Moreover, the letter also noted how the premier had planned to reach his destinations, either by helicopter or road.

PM Khan’s schedule included his departure and arrival in Karachi, meetings with Sindh chief minister and governor, visit to the Mazar-e-Quaid and other public places. The premier was also scheduled to speak on the phone with ARY CEO Salman Iqbal and participate in a fundraising dinner, according to the letter.

The entire day’s plan of the one-day visit to Karachi and the return to Islamabad was written on a piece of paper which should be treated as a security breach as making such sensitive information public could risk the life of the premier.

Strict security codes are usually practiced for the protection of prime minister while recent threats to PM Khan call for extraordinary measures.

In August, it was reported that at least nine suspected terrorists were held by security agencies from the adjoining areas of Bani Gala, before and after the July 25 polls.

According to reports, the terrorists, who had reached the federal capital from Afghanistan, had planned to target the newly-elected prime minister, as well as other major political players.

Sheltering in a safe house in the suburban areas of Islamabad, the terrorists were in continuous contact with their network in Afghanistan until they were arrested in separate raids carried out by security agencies.

Arms and explosives were also recovered from their possession.

In view of the threats, all potential targets, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, were informed and their security detail was enhanced.

It was amid these threats that PM Khan announced residing at the military secretary’s annex located in the Prime Minister House colony.