LAHORE, April 13: Police authorities intensified on Saturday the process of withdrawing extraordinary security cover from PML-N patron Mian Nawaz Sharif, his brother Mian Shahbaz Sharif and their families.Police sources said that around 100 policemen were withdrawn from the security of both leaders with more withdrawals likely in the days to come.

They said at least 30 Elite Police Force officials had been relieved by Nawaz Sharif about a week back.

DIG (Operations) Jawad Ahmad Dogar said though the Lahore police had not received any formal direction either from the Election Commission of Pakistan or the Punjab government for the withdrawal of policemen providing security cover to PML-N top leaders, the process of withdrawal had already been initiated.

“Wherever and whatever is possible we are scaling down policemen and vehicles from former premier Nawaz Sharif and former chief minister Shahbaz Sharif,” he said.

The DIG, however, said the security cover would continue to be provided to all important political leaders keeping in view threat perceptions.