Once again: SHC directs federal govt to submit policy on security to VIPs

Judges granted time to the federal govt to file its comments on the need for extra security

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) directed the federal government on Friday to submit its policy regarding provision of security to VVIPs who face threats to their lives.

SHC Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, who headed the bench hearing petition of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who sought permission to travel in bulletproof vehicles with private guards armed with licensed weapons, gave two weeks to the additional attorney-general to submit the policy to the court.

Bilawal approached the court last year, accusing the federal and provincial authorities of not entertaining requests for provision of special security arrangements to him and his family following looming threats by militants.

On different occasions, judges granted time to the federal govt to file its comments on the petitioner's allegations after the PPP-led provincial government said it was willing to take requisite measures for Bilawal’s security.

Previously, the PML-N-led federal government had tried to distance itself from the matter, as additional attorney-general Salman Talibuddin had argued the federal government was not concerned with the matter. However, the court directed him to submit a written reply on behalf of the federal authorities.

During Friday's proceedings, advocate-general Barrister Zamir Ghumro said the Sindh government provides adequate security for protection of political and religious leaders and other dignitaries. He explained that security is provided to the leaders after examining the threats they face.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2017.