Bullet-proof cars more pressing need than national security for Pak Ministers

Islamabad, June 1 (ANI): Instead of discussing national security, Pakistani ministers spent their time asking Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to provide them with bullet-proof vehicles and security escorts during a recent meeting on the issue.

"This demand came during a recent meeting held at Prime Minister's House to discuss the national security situation," the Daily Times quoted sources, as saying.

A senior Pakistan People's Party leader said he was shocked to learn that ministers were more interested in improving their own security rather than discussing the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan.

"Ministers should approach the masses to boost their morale, instead of restricting themselves to bullet-proof vehicles and security escorts that prevent the public from approaching them," the leader said.

According to sources, one party leader said bullet-proof vehicles would adversely affect the party's popularity among the masses.

He said bullet-proof vehicles and security escorts should only be provided for Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Gilani.

Some federal ministers, including Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar and Interior Minister Rehman Malik, already have bullet-proof vehicles and special security escorts.

However, Water and Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira have security escorts, but no bullet-proof vehicles. (ANI)