Government circles say Zardari's security is being enhanced in view of the current spate of suicide bombings in the country.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government is spending millions of rupees to beef up the security of president Asif Ali Zardari in the President's House, which is already considered to be one of the most secured places in the country.
Government sources say Zardari had been given more security than was provided to former president Pervez Musharraf. The special security measures taken for Zardari have cost over Rs20 crore.
Government circles, however, say Zardari's security is being enhanced in view of the current spate of suicide bombings in the country. "The government is quite concerned about the security of the president," his spokesman Farhatullah Babar said. "Therefore, special measures are being taken. Although Zardari has not received any direct threat, his security has been enhanced in view of the present situation in which militants have targeted both civilians and the political leadership."
A government source said that following the September suicide attack outside the JW Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, the government believes the situation has become quite alarming. Hence, the security of the president, prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, and other important personalities has been enhanced.
As part of the special security measures, two new electronic gates of the President's House are being installed — one near Parliament House and the other close to the cabinet division building. The construction of the two gates itself will cost Rs8.2 crore.
Similarly, closed-circuit security cameras, walk-through gates, searchlights and other related equipment are being installed at a cost of Rs3.5 crore.
The office of the president is located on the fourth floor of the President's House. To make it more secure, a concrete wall has been built in front of the office for which Rs30 lakh has been spent.
The government source said a German firm has been hired to install bulletproof glass in the window panes and doors of the president’s office and suites. The cost of the glass, which is imported from Germany, also runs into crores of rupees.
The team of commandos which provided security to Musharraf is now guarding Zardari. In addition, more security personnel from the Pakistan Rangers have been deployed in the presidency.
The government has decided to turn Islamabad's 'red zone' (Constitution Avenue and nearby areas) into a 'walled city' or 'green zone' by constructing a wall and putting scanners around the area to make it safer.
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