Lahore, Jan 7 :Hundreds of commandos of the Elite Force, the highly trained wing of the Pakistan police force, have been deployed to protect Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his family, despite his assurances that he would not employ their services for his personal protection.

The Elite Force specializes in Counter-Terrorist operations and performing high-risk operations, which can''t be carried out by the regular police.

It was formed in 1998 as a counterterrorism unit, but over time its duties expanded to VIP escort.

Sharif had earlier officially announced that the wing would not be utilized to guard the ministers of the province, but according to reports, there are over 250 Elite Force personnel deployed to protect him and his family.

Of the 250 officers, 50 men each are permanently attached to the chief minister and his brother, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, while at least 58 personnel are deployed at CM House, Raiwind, 24 to protect Shahbaz's son Hamza Shahbaz, seven for Salman Shahbaz, while another 18 personnel are attached to different Sharif family members, The Daily Times reports.

It is also believed that another 50 personnel are deployed at the different residences and offices used by the CM and other top Punjab officials. (ANI)