LAHORE The Punjab government has decided to establish Persons at High Risk Wing at an estimated cost of Rs 600 million to provide security to the VVIPs who are at the hit list of terrorists, The News has learnt. The available documents revealed that these VVIPs are termed persons at high risk and over 1,000 security personnel would be recruited for the security of these VVIP personalities. In this regard Punjab IG Police Mushtaq Sukhera has sent a summary to Punjab Home Department. The cabinet committee on law and order has approved the summary and it has been forwarded to the chief minister for his approval. In the summary it is mentioned that a serious security challenge has been arisen after the murder of Home Minister Col (Retd) Shuja Khanzada in a terrorists’ attack. It is stated that terrorists’ organisations are creating harassment among the masses by targeting VVIPs, particularly those who possess some important positions in the sitting government. Moreover, in the document it is also mentioned that so far security is being provided to foreigners who are working on different development projects. A Special Protection Unit (SPU) comprising 5,000 police personnel had already been established for the security of the foreigners including Chinese who are working on 16 development projects in the province. Since the SPU has not additional staff, therefore, it is proposed to establish new wing Persons at High Risk Wing headed by a police officer at the rank of SP. The estimated cost for the establishment of new wing is around Rs 600 million which include Rs 388.5 million for salaries and allowances of 1050 police personnel, Rs 133 million for transport, Rs 37.2 million for ordinance store, Rs 5.4 million for plant machinery, Rs 70.33 million for beds and boxes, Rs 140.8 million for uniform, Rs 180.2 million for other expenses, Rs 160.4 million for the purchase of 30 G-III rifles, 188 SGM, 56 shotguns and 63 9mm caliber pistols. Furthermore, 54 vehicles would also be purchased for the police wing. In a recent meeting of cabinet committee on law and order chaired by Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah has recommended the establishment of Persons at High Risk Wing for the security of the VVIPs. Punjab Home secretary also supported the establishment of a separate wing for the security of the VVIPs who are termed Persons at High Risk. Rana Sanaullah had directed the Home Department to send the summary to the CM for his approval.
