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Pakistan

Gilani shifted to Sindh House in Islamabad

Dunya News

Convicted former PM Yousaf Raza Gilani has shifted to Sindh House after departing from Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to media reports, Gilani has been allotted VIP flat No 1 along with 3 VIPs rooms in first floor at Sindh house. In the remaining rooms he will shift his family members.It is interesting to note that he will stand exempted from payment of rent and utility bills as long as he stays therein.Presidential spokesman Farhat Ullah Babar has confirmed reports on quitting Aiwan-e-Sadr by former Prime Minister.Sindh House sources and sources close to Gilani said former Prime Minister had quitted residence provided by President Asif Ali Zardari in Aiwan-e-Sadr quietly two days ahead of Eid ul Azha and shifted to Sindh house wherein he had been allotted VIP Flat No 1 immediately. Orders for allotment of this flat were issued by chief secretary Sindh Raja Muhammad Abbas to Controller Sindh House Muhammad Suleman Bhutto.Sources said Yusuf Raza Gilani had visited Sindh House before Eid ul Azha and inspected the VIP flat at first floor. He kept standing in the lobby located opposite to the side of residence of chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry for some time silently. He directed the staff to transfer the remaining three rooms to him soon as he has to shift his family therein after Eid.When asked how many rent would be paid by Gilani for these four rooms the sources said as parliament had approved utility bill law on provision of free residence and other facilities to former prime ministers and president therefore, he was exempted from payment of rent and utility bills.When questioned how long the official residence could be used by Gilani the sources said no period is fixed in this respect.It may be recalled that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto had also lived in this flat. Sources close to Gilani have confirmed shifting of former prime minister to Sindh House.When asked as to why Gilani shifted to Sindh House when a residence was being searched for him in different sectors of federal capital sources said efforts were made to find a safe residence in terms of security in different sectors and some residences were given yes nod by him but the security agencies did not give clearance chit in this respect. Therefore, he had to shift to Sindh House.