As the gulf between the ruling allies Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) continues to widen, the Punjab government on Wednesday withdrew the police personnel doing security duty at Bilawal House, Bahria Town, Lahore.
According to 24NewsHD TV, earlier security was withdrawn from the residence of the PPP leader, former prime minister and incumbent Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani.
The move comes days after PPP and PML-N leaders started exchanging barbs over different issues. The rift left the PML-N government struggling to maintain unity in its ranks. On October 6, members of the PPP boycotted proceedings in both the National Assembly and the Senate, signalling growing discontent with the PML-N.
Senator Sherry Rehman warned the government against “playing the Punjab card,” saying that apologising “does not diminish anyone’s respect.” She said no province was anyone’s fiefdom, adding that the PPP, as the largest party in the Senate, could not be taken for granted on the coalition benches.
PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf cautioned against allowing the “stench of provincialism” to resurface, warning it could weaken the federation of Pakistan. “We talk about honour and respect, but this should not be considered our weakness,” he said, adding that it is difficult for his party to sit in the House until their concerns are addressed.
Punjab Police Spokesperson Clarifies
Punjab Police spokesperson said in a statement the news about withdrawal of security from Bilawal House was contrary to facts. He said the security of Bilawal House is complete and as per usual. He said that some officials were on rest and they were replaced. He said it was baseless to link the routine changes with withdrawal of security.
The police spokesperson said that giving political colour to the routine changes was contrary to facts. No such instructions have been given by the Punjab government to the police, he added.
Punjab Information Minister Speaks
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari denied withdrawing security from Bilawal House, Lahore. She said the news of withdrawing security from Bilawal House was fake and fabricated. She said that media and journalists should refrain from spreading such fake news. She said that police personnel have been deployed at Bilawal House as usual.