Police protection for Pervez Musharraf, the former President of Pakistan who is living in London, should be cancelled amid fears that his presence will stoke unrest within the Muslim community, a Labour peer told The Times last night.

Lord Ahmed of Rotherham has written to the Home Secretary urging him to stop spending taxpayers’ money on protection by Scotland Yard for the exiled leader. Mr Musharraf is living in central London in an apartment thought to cost more than £1 million. In addition to security from the Metropolitan Police, he has his own team of retired Pakistani commandos.

The former general ruled Pakistan until August last year when he resigned under the threat of impeachment. It is understood that he now hosts musical evenings at his home and plays golf and bridge.

Back in Islamabad, Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister, said Mr Musharraf should be tried for treason.

Lord Ahmed wrote to Alan Johnson last month but has yet to receive a reply. In the letter, the life peer said: “It is evident from various newspaper reports that the British Pakistani and Kashmiri community is deeply disturbed and divided by [Mr Musharraf's] controversial [alleged political] campaign and the security provided by the Home Office for this purpose. I would strongly urge the Government to distance themselves from Mr Musharraf and his political ambitions here as I firmly believe that any perceived promotion or assistance of his activities here may have an adverse impact on community cohesion within the United Kingdom. This is especially the case amongst the British Pakistani and Muslim communities here.”

Mr Musharraf’s appearance at events within the Muslim community and further afield have prompted angry reactions. During the summer, he went to Slough for the Pakistan Independence Day Celebrations.

In a letter to Lord Ahmed, Pervez Choudhry, a borough councillor in the town, said: “The people of Slough and in particular the Pakistani community are extremely upset and angry that local Labour Party officials took it upon themselves to invite General Musharraf to Slough.”

Councillor Choudhry continued: “They used this day to furtively invite this man whose hands are drenched in the blood of innocent men, women and children in Pakistan. This is seen as a slap on the face of British Pakistanis and total disregard for democratic values in Britain.”

Mr Musharraf starts a 40-day lecture tour to the United States next Tuesday. He has said that his lectures will focus on his expertise on Islamic militancy but he is also seeking to address Pakistan’s poor international image.

“Pakistan is a most misunderstood country,” he told The Guardian. “I enjoy the opportunity to clear up misconceptions.”

He is also expected to be critical of Washington’s close relationship with India.

The 16 lectures are organised by the Harry Walker Agency, whose other speakers include Dick Cheney, the former Vice President.

Lord Ahmed tabled a parliamentary question about the cost of Mr Musharraf’s taxpayer-funded protection in July. The Government replied that it was “established Home Office policy not to comment on protective security arrangements and their related costs”.

Lord Ahmed told The Times: “I think the Government needs to review Mr Musharraf’s security. There are people within Britain who could do with those extra police officers rather than a man who can afford private body guards. I also believe that if he remains in this country then he is a threat to peace and public order.”

Scotland Yard said it was not prepared to discuss matters of protection.

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