Home department warns of suicide attack threat against Benazir’s rally

CNews KARACHI: Sindh home department has warned of threat of suicide attacks on Benazir’s procession, however the government has assured to provide best security on the occasion. The modalities and execution of security plan on the arrival of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto were discussed threadbare at two meetings held at Home Department between the law enforcement agencies and PPP's security team. According to official sources, the PPPP team was informed about the threat, which primarily was from the Al-Qaeda related groups, which could execute suicidal attacks, IEDs, mass killing of PPPP supporters, stampedes. The PPPP team themselves suggested that as per their own threat perception, there was a possibility of attack through explosive laden remote controlled aircraft, snipers/sharp shooters and rocket attacks. The PPPP team was advised that their programme of traversing the distance from the airport to Mazar-e-Quaid in eighteen hours would unnecessarily expose Benazir Bhutto and the snail pace rally for a prolong period would be an easy target for any group planning to target the rally and her while security for an extended period of time can not be sustained effectively. The PPPP team was advised to curtail the travel time to minimum. It was pointed out that PPP's demand to provide Presidential Level security was untenable because if VVIP security is provided then PPPP organizers shall have no role. The security personnel then could change the route, mode of transport and method of security, as per requirement. It also implies that every one will be subjected to body search, no mobile phone will be allowed near the VIP, access will be strictly controlled which may not suit the PPPP politically and this was not accepted by the PPPP. The participants from PPPP were assured that the Government of Sindh will provide the best security available and expected the PPPP to cooperate to the fullest with the law enforcement agencies.