PHC seeks explanation on 5,500 cops deployment for VIPs security

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday directed the Khyber Pakhtun-khwa government and inspector general of police to explain position about deployment of around 5,500 policemen for security of the Very Important Persons (VIPs) instead of protecting the public.

A division bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and Justice Younas Thaheem asked Additional Advocate General Qaiser Ali Shah to ensure submission of reply from the respondents before October 24, the date fixed for next hearing in the case.

The petition, filed by senior lawyer Muhammad Khurshid Khan, sought direction from the high court for the provincial government and Police Department to either recruit police for ensuring peace and protection to the people or impose ban on VIPs security.  The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government through chief secretary, secretary Home and Tribal Affairs and inspector general of police were made parties in the petition.

“As per the information received from the provincial Police Department through the Right to Information Act, 2013, I am surprised to know that 5,500 policemen have been deployed for the security of VIPs,” the petitioner pointed out.

He said it was a matter of concern that the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the province claimed to have ended VIP protocol, but had still deployed 1,529 police personnel for the VIPs duties only in Peshawar where the police strength is 6,200.

The petitioner submitted that in Peshawar alone, 178 policemen were deployed to protect 25 VIPs and 1,005 cops guard houses of VIPs and government officials. He said that out of 6,200 policemen in Peshawar, only 3,000 were on duty to maintain public order and to foil terrorist attacks.

Khurshid Khan said that 271 policemen were deployed for VIPs security in Malakand, 172 in Mardan, 52 in Dera Ismail Khan, 59 in Abbottabad, 38 in Kohat, 10 in Hangu, 101 in Lower Dir and nine in Karak.