Sharif, daughter might be shifted to Sihala jail amid 'security-fears'
What's the story
Jailed former PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam may be shifted from the high-security Adiala jail in Rawalpindi to Sihala Rest House in Islamabad, after some prisoners started chanting slogans against him yesterday. The duo was arrested in Lahore on July-13 on their arrival from London after they were found guilty over the ownership of four luxury flats in London.
Security fears
Sharif witnessing hatred from Adiala inmates
Both Sharif, 68, and Maryam, 44, have been sentenced by an accountability court to 10 and 7 years in prison respectively for corruption charges linked to Panama Papers. Adiala jail authorities have limited the movement of Sharif after some prisoners started chanting slogans against him when he was out for a stroll in the courtyard of his barrack yesterday morning.
Information
Sihala rest house checked for security
"A bomb disposal squad visited Sihala Police College last night to comb the premises to ensure there are no explosives in case the former premier and his daughter are moved to Sihala," a senior security official was quoted as saying by the report.
Sihala security
Sihala houses high-profile terrorists, security beefed up for Sharif
The Sihala rest house has already been declared as a sub-jail and security there has also been beefed up by the authorities. "It may be unsafe for the three-time prime minister to remain in the jail due to the presence of high-profile prisoners convicted in terrorism cases, even though security for him and his daughter has been beefed up," the official said.
Luxurious jail
Double beds, tables and chairs, flowers and paintings for Sharifs
Police said security outside Adiala jail has also been tightened due to many people coming to meet their loved ones in jail and the gathering of PML-N workers attempting to meet Sharif and Maryam. Safwat Lodge inside the Sihala rest-house has been cleaned and decorated with flowers, paintings, and photographs. A double-bed, two chairs, and a table will also be provided to the prisoners.
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Former President Zardari was also 'imprisoned' in the same lodge
This is the same lodge (Safwat) where former president and PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari had been detained when his party's government was dismissed in 1996. Other political leaders have also been detained in the rest house in the past.