According to media reports emerging on Friday, the shifting of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz to Safwat Lodge, commonly referred to as Sihala Rest House, located on the premises of Sihala Police College from Adiala jail, has been delayed.

The authorities, Adiala Jail officials and Islamabad Police, have limited the movement of the deposed prime minister over security concerns. Officials said that Due to the presence of high-profile prisoners convicted in terrorism cases, it may be unsafe for Nawaz to remain in the jail; even though security for him and his daughter has been beefed up.

After the late Thursday night developments, police and Rangers personnel deployed at the rest house have been removed. Similarly, a PIMS medical team has also been sent back. In view of the expected transfer of the Sharif family, Safwat Lodge 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.

A bomb disposal squad had visited Sihala Police College on Wednesday to comb the premises to ensure there were no explosives. Moreover, security outside Adiala jail has also been tightened due to a large number of people coming to meet their loved ones in the jail and the gathering of PML-N workers and leaders attempting to meet Nawaz and Maryam.

This is the same lodge 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.