British government mum on Musharraf’s security protocol removal

LONDON - The British Government has neither denied nor confirmed reports regarding the removal of expensive security contingent, including three to four Scotland Yard officials and an armoured car, guarding former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf.

The British Home Office denied making any statement on media reports that said that following the UN commission’s report on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, which blamed the then Musharraf government for her death, security cover being offered to him were discontinued.

“We do not comment on security arrangements for individuals and organisations,” The News quoted a spokesman at the British Home Office, as saying.

Musharraf’s spokesman Fawad Chaudhry has also rejected reports, saying the former general is provided with armoured vehicle and security as and when required.

Musharraf, who has been living in London on an unannounced exile since 2009, had brought with him his most trusted Special Services Group (SSG) for a full-time security duty.

According to sources, the SSG men were Musharraf’s most trusted and he would “feel incredibly insecure and paranoid without their protection.”

Highly placed sourced said that the British government has decided not to extend the visas of these SSG guards who form Musharraf’s personal security force.

Musharraf has been spending some exquisite time in the British capital where he had purchased a luxury apartment in the heart of central London on famous Edgware Road, also known as Little Arabia.

Protected by top Scotland Yard officers and his own team of security guards the autocratic ruler is enjoying every moment in the city, spending a lot of time on eating out at high-class eateries and shopping at Harrods. (ANI)