Zardari shifts to PM house for security reasons

Islamabad, Aug 29 (PTI) Pakistan's ruling P.P.P.'s presidential candidate Asif Ali Zardari has shifted residence to the heavily guarded Prime Minister's House in view of reported fears of a possible militant attack on him.

Zardari, who is the co-chairman of P.P.P. moved from his plush residence in the heart of Islamabad to the heavily guarded Prime Minister's House for security reasons in the wake of his recent criticism of the Taliban and call for banning the organisation.

He made the move on the advice of his colleagues in the
government, according to the Dawn newspaper. Zardari has been
living in the Prime Minister's House for about a week.

"Zardari has been advised to stay in a safe place
and under the cover of official security," said a member of
the federal cabinet.

P.P.P. presidential candidate had been advised much
earlier to move to the Prime Minister's House but was
reluctant to do so. However, after a security breach at his
residence, the P.P.P. chief decided to shift to the Prime
Minister's House.

Addressing a news conference in Karachi this morning,
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani confirmed the report.

Asked about reports of Zardari shifting to his house,
Gilani said: "There are security problems associated with his
movement. Because he can't move anywhere, his normal
activities are restricted to the Prime Minister's House ...To
that extent, it is correct."

Sources said Zardari planned to stay in the Prime
Minister's House till the presidential election on September
6. PTI