Protection for citizens: LHC seeks answers from IG, home secy

Counsel says court has to interfere in public interest cases

LAHORE: What steps have been taken to ensure security at public places Lahore High Court (LHC) asked the Home Department secretary, the IGP and the CCPO on Thursday.

Citizen Ali Javed filed the petition through his counsel Advocate Sheraz Zaka and sought directions for pertinent authorities to ensure the provision of security across all public places. During the course of hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the secretary had issued a warning/security alert to the IGP on April 17 saying there was a possible security threat in Lahore. The lawyer argued that in order to enforce citizens’ fundamental rights, it had to be inquired from the IGP what security measures were put in place across public venues and especially at the court’s premises. At this, the judge inquired from the counsel whether the court could interfere in the matter. The counsel replied that the court was supposed to intervene in public interest issues in light of superior court judgments.

The judge observed that there must be proper security controls inside court’s premises. He also sought details from the secretary, the IGP and the CCPO regarding steps taken to secure public venues including heritage sites. The judge adjourned the hearing of the case till May 11 following the conclusion of arguments. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2016.