ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain advised to restrict movement, hire guards over security 'threats'

PESHAWAR: Police have advised Awami National Party provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain to limit his movement and arrange private guards in view of the current security situation in the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to police sources, Pabbi police in Nowshera issued a circular on May 15 asking the senior ANP leader to adopt strict protective measures. The advisory included the installation of CCTV cameras and concertina wire on the boundary wall of his residence.

The circular also asked Hussain to avoid unnecessary visits to sensitive areas unless security arrangements had been coordinated beforehand with the local administration and police. He was further told to ensure that his driver stayed inside the vehicle at all times and remained alert during travel.

Police directed the ANP leader to remain in contact with law enforcement agencies before attending political meetings and public events. He was also advised not to make provocative statements or use hate speech that could create tension or disturb public order.

The circular urged him to cooperate with police during checking, route clearance and the implementation of security protocols. "You should remain vigilant regarding suspicious persons, unattended objects or unusual activities and immediately report such matters to the authorities concerned," the circular further stated.

Police also advised Hussain against the unnecessary display of weapons, the use of unauthorised armed escorts and any violation of security procedures. In addition, he was asked to use social media responsibly and avoid sharing unverified information, rumours or inflammatory material that could cause panic among the public.

The advisory further asked him to play what it described as a constructive role in promoting peace, harmony and unity in the prevailing situation. Police also recommended that he hire private security guards to remain alert around the clock.

Previous alerts and background

Police sources said similar threat alerts had been issued to Hussain several times in the past.

Hussain, a former provincial information minister, has long been outspoken against militancy and terrorism. His only son, Mian Rashid Hussain, was killed in a terrorist attack in 2010. Hussain himself has survived multiple attempts on his life.

The ANP has consistently spoken against militancy and has repeatedly called for effective implementation of the National Action Plan to eliminate terrorism.

Attempts to contact the relevant police officials for comment were unsuccessful.