RAWALPINDI, April 21: The extra security provided to the former premier Raja Pervez Ashraf at his private residence in Mori Rajhan Village, Gujar Khan has been withdrawn, it has been learnt.

The former prime minister had been provided with two sections of Elite Force commandos (each comprised of six personnel), and eleven police personnel of the regular police. This was in addition to the Special Branch personnel provided since Mr Ashraf assumed charge as the 25th primer minister of Pakistan in June 2012.

The security had been provided to guard his private residence, Sanghar House, in Gujar Khan.

After the withdrawal of extra security, there remains one assistant sub-inspector and four constables to guard the residence, which had once been surrounded by the Punjab police, Islamabad capital territory police, Pakistan Rangers and the Elite Force.

“I have not visited Sanghar House since Pervez Ashraf’s cabinet was dissolved as there is no activity there,” a senior police official said, adding that the extra police had been withdrawn and only five policemen were deployed there.

Two helipads had also been built at the premises where security arrangements had been put in place according to the “Blue Book”.

Sanghar House is located on 18 kanals of land, adjacent to Imran Ashraf’s house, nearly 40km from Rawalpindi. At least 360 security points needed to be covered whenever a VVIP movement took place from Rawalpindi, which had been a concern for the local police.

Since Pakistan People’s Party’s term ended, Raja Pervez Ashraf had been staying at his Islamabad house, and has not visited “Sanghar House”.—Staff Reporter

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