I have been to Abbotabad too, and many other places right next to and within military bases in Pakistan, and it is pretty damn easy to live there undetected. No one is driving around checking houses. And even those who do, like meter checkers, are happy enough not to read your meter given say, 10 to 20 dollars worth of incentive.
Also Abbotabad is a real life city, not just some garrison town. And even if it was just a garrison town, it would still befull of un-armed non-military people. How do you think military people live in a garrison city? They aren't faceless storm troopers, many have families living right there. And many, many civilians providing services, from food to dry cleaning to road maintenance to flower delivery etc etc.
It is not about living undetected. Of course it is full of civilians, but the point being that due to current threats to ALL army bases and centres, there is always a check in place for security purposes. And with the notorious hand of the Pakistani intelligence almost everywhere, the narrative in the article seems highly likely.
I agree to this, I have been there too and we weren't even checked once during my few days there. We literally didn't see any armed forces most of the times. No check posts or anything exist. It's a very peaceful city.
Also Abbotabad is a real life city, not just some garrison town. And even if it was just a garrison town, it would still befull of un-armed non-military people. How do you think military people live in a garrison city? They aren't faceless storm troopers, many have families living right there. And many, many civilians providing services, from food to dry cleaning to road maintenance to flower delivery etc etc.