Bhatti assassination not result of security lapse: IG Islamabad

Policemen are seen gathered at the site where slain minister Shahbaz Bhatti was gunned down outside his residence in Islamabad on March 2, 2011. — Photo by AFP ISLAMABAD: Inspector General Islamabad Police Wajid Durrani on Wednesday said Shahbaz Bhatti’s assassination was not the result of a security lapse and that the minister had been provided with two squads — one of FC and the other of police — for his protection, DawnNews reported. Durrani said usually ministers are provided with one squad but Shahbaz Bhatti had been provided with two squads for his protection. Durrani told APP that Shahbaz Bhatti himself had directed that the squads not be provided at his residence. There was no squad or protection with him when the assailants opened fire at Shahbaz Bhatti. "He was intercepted by three to four persons riding in Mehran car who opened firing at him," APP quoted Durrani as saying. He further said that all routes leading out of Islamabad had been sealed and mobile squads were directed to check all cars of that make. He said a special team was also constituted for investigation. — DawnNews/APP