London, July 14: Objecting to the scale of security cover for former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in UK, a British peer hailing from PoK has sought an explanation from the government on whether he was entitled to protection by Scotland Yard at tax-payers’ expense.
In a short-duration question tabled in the House of Lords, Lord Nazir Ahmed sought to know whether “Musharraf has been granted police protection and whether the same protection is provided to all former heads of state or government and whether any contribution is made by their country of origin towards such costs”.
Ahmed said five to six offices accompanied Musharraf wherever he went.
He said when Musharraf visited a music shop located at the Ilford Lane in East London and the famous Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane, six bodyguards from the Scotland Yard stood on alert outside the premises.
While only two guards were provided to former prime ministers of Great Britain, the rulers of the UAE move in the country without any security, he pointed out.
“Then why could Musharraf not live without such arrangements,” he asked.
The peer alleged that Musharraf bought flats worth 1.4 million pounds in the UK and was keeping as many as six bodyguards. “It is a question that has to be brought under microscope,” Ahmed said.
He said a response from the government was awaited on the issue.
–Agencies–