ISLAMABAD: Security situation at Sihala Rest House has forced theauthorities to postpone the shifting of Nawaz, Maryam from Adiala Jail. The shifting of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his Maryam Nawazto Safwat Lodge, commonly referred to as Sihala Rest House, located on thepremises of Sihala Police College from Adiala jail has been deferred, mediareported on Friday.

The decision was taken in a meeting attended by Adiala Jail officials andIslamabad Police. The authorities concerned have limited the movement ofthe deposed prime minister over security concerns.

Officials said that it may be unsafe for the three-time prime minister toremain in the jail due to the presence of high-profile prisoners convictedin terrorism cases, even though security for him and his daughter has beenbeefed up.

After the late Thursday night developments, police and Rangers personneldeployed at the rest house have been removed. Similarly, a PIMS medicalteam has also been sent back.

In view of the expected transfer of the Sharif family, Safwat Lodge hasbeen cleaned and decorated with flowers, paintings and photographs. Adouble bed, two chairs and a table will also be provided to the prisoners.

A bomb disposal squad had visited Sihala Police College on Wednesday tocomb the premises to ensure there were no explosives.

Moreover, security outside Adiala jail has also been tightened due to alarge number of people coming to meet their loved ones in the jail and thegathering of PML-N workers and leaders attempting to meet Sharif and Maryam.

This is the same lodge where former president and PPP co-chairperson AsifAli Zardari had been detained when his party’s government was dismissed in1996. Other political leaders have also been detained in the rest house inthe past.

On July 13, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration hadalready declared the rest house a sub-jail for detaining the Sharifs whowere arrested by the National Accountability Bureau when they reachedLahore. However, they were taken to Adiala jail instead.

After the notification was issued by the ICT administration and thecommandant of Police College Sihala was contacted to seek charge of therest house on Friday, the rest house was cleaned and prepared for theformer prime minister.

Also, ICT Chief Commissioner Joudat Ayaz issued directives to the officialsconcerned over the possible shifting of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif,his daughter Maryam and son-in-law retired Capt Mohammad Safdar to the resthouse.