The government is considering a proposal to reduce the duration of VVIP security and facilities provided to former heads of state, prime ministers and chief advisors from one year to six months.
A draft document finalized on Monday suggests revising the current rules, which have been deemed vague. The move follows historical precedents from 2002 and 2006 when similar post-tenure benefits were significantly shortened.
The new proposal outlines three major changes to the existing security framework: Six-Month Limit: Former heads of government will retain VIP status and security for only six months following their resignation or handover of duties.
Repealing Previous Orders: The proposal seeks to cancel the current SRO (46-Ain/2026), which had granted Dr. Muhammad Yunus VVIP status for a full year.
August Deadline: Under the new rules, the specialized benefits currently enjoyed by Dr. Yunus would expire on August 16.
Background and Precedent
The Special Security Forces (SSF) Act of 2021 and the 2025 Security Regulations are the primary guides for these changes. While a one-year term was standard in 2001, it was reduced to three months in 2002 and 2006.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who served as the Chief Advisor to the Interim Government for approximately 18 months starting in August 2024, resigned in February 2026. Shortly before the 13th parliamentary elections, a gazette was issued extending his "Extremely Important Person" status for one year. This latest proposal aims to backtrack on that extension.
The Prime Minister’s Press Wing has not yet confirmed a specific timeline for the official announcement.
