Threat forces Zardari to move to PM's house

The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party's presidential candidate Asif Ali Zardari has shifted 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 PPP, 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 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.

The PPP's 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 PPP chief decided to shift residence.

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

Asked if the report about Zardari shifting to his house was true, 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.