Former prime minister Imran Khan has alleged that attempts were being made to assassinate him or stop him from speaking against the ruling elite.
On Saturday night, staff at his Banigala residence caught a man red-handed while installing a spy device in his bedroom. The chief of staff of the former premier, Dr Shahbaz Gill, handed over the suspect, an employee of Banigala, to the police. On the other hand, the police on Sunday decided to conduct a medical test on the suspect.
“The security head of Banigala was informed that an employee was installing some device in their bedroom of Imran Khan,” said one PTI worker who did not want to be quoted. “Immediate action was taken and the employee, who used to do cleaning work in Banigala, was caught and a device recovered from him. Later, Mr Gill handed over the suspect to the police along with the device.”
“Some PTI leaders have alleged that Imran Khan’s life is in danger and that security agencies have eased up on their efforts to protect him,” said Ali Awan, a PTI legislator from Islamabad.
A month ago, some attempted to arrest Imran Khan at his residence in Banigala. Police officers and a prison van were dispatched, and First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against Khan and some journalists. Unfortunately, the government has not been willing to provide security to the former prime minister and chairman of the largest political party in Pakistan.
According to Mr. Gill, the suspect had been working in Khan’s residence for the last six years and was paid to install the device in the bedroom. He said that Rs50,000 were given to the employee and he was told that once information started coming, more money would be given to him. Mr Gill said all intelligence and law enforcement agencies were already informed about the threats to the life of Mr Khan.
Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah has rejected any claims that Imran Khan’s life is under threat. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, former interior minister, has claimed there is a threat to the life of the former prime minister; however, Banigala police have arrested an alleged spy. According to police sources, a media person had handed over the suspect to the police. The suspect is currently unable to speak properly.
“The suspect could not be identified as he cannot speak properly. It has been decided that a medical test will be conducted on him to ascertain his physical and mental condition. The suspect was kept in Banigala house for a day. The person who handed over the suspect to the police has not provided any evidence or proof of spying. Police are investigating the matter and will soon reach the conclusion,” said sources in the police.