Benazir demands security cover at par with Musharraf

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has demanded security cover of the highest level from the government, and wanted the security to be at par with President Pervez Musharraf, senior PPP leader Rehman Malik has said.

Islamabad, Oct 10 : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has demanded security cover of the highest level from the government, and wanted the security to be at par with President Pervez Musharraf, senior PPP leader Rehman Malik has said.

"I am here in Dubai for a two-day meeting being held to finalise the security arrangements," he said.

"We want Benazir's security at par with General Musharraf. After all, she is a former PM of the country and leader of the largest political party," Malik added.

It has been learnt that Bhutto is not solely relying on the government for this purpose and is also negotiating with some foreign security firms to protect her once she lands in Pakistan.

Malik said despite serious threats to Bhutto's security, she would not revise her plan and is all set to return on October 18.

Although he refused to divulge details, he said the security measures would be of international level and state of the art gadgets would be purchased for the purpose.

Asked if the PPP has spoken to the presidency in this regard, he said: "Yes, all relevant people", adding that Bhutto's lawyer, Senator Farooq Naek, has asked to negotiate with the security people and top officials of the government in this regard.

He expressed disappointment at the threatening statement of the tribal militant leader Baitullah Mehsud that his suicide bombers were ready to 'welcome' Benazir Bhutto.

"He is a Muslim and so is Benazir. Islam does not approve of such things," The News quoted Malik, as saying.

ANI