Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed that foolproof security was provided to slain Minority Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, and that his death was the result of his own negligence.
Bhatti was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Islamabad on Wednesday for championing the case of Aasia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman who was sentenced to death last November for allegedly committing blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.
Talking to journalists outside the Parliament House, Malik said that an escort of 15 armed personnel had been provided to Bhatti.
"But he did not avail it during his preferred and frequented destinations," the Daily Times quoted Malik as telling a TV channel.
He said the cabinet was responsible for providing bullet-proof vehicles to ministers, adding that the government had devised a new security strategy specifically for VIPs.
Rehman also said that various clues had been found in the Bhatti murder case, which would lead investigators to arrest those who orchestrated the assassination.
He maintained that every aspect of the case was being looked into thoroughly, and if anyone, even from the law enforcement agencies, were found guilty of negligence in this case, that person would be punished.