CJP’s directive leaves Aasia Bibi's lawyer unprotected

SC orders apply to 'unentitled persons'

ISLAMABAD: The Chief Justice of Pakistan’s directive to withdraw police security for all unentitled persons may put the security of Aasia Bibi’s attorney at risk.

“On Friday midnight, I had been intimated by the Punjab police that they are withdrawing the three police guards in view of CJP Mian Saqib Nisar’s fresh directives," says Saiful Malook advocate, who is representing Aasia Bibi and four other blasphemy accused persons in separate cases. Malook was also the prosecutor in the Salmaan Taseer assassination case.

CJP Nisar on Thursday directed the federal and all provincial governments to withdraw police security within 24 hours of all unentitled people and to submit an affidavit attested by an oath commissioner in the hearing scheduled for April 23 in Islamabad.



In view of his order, the Punjab police were quick to withdraw all protection provided to Aasia Bibi’s counsel. The legal community is also expressing surprise over the Punjab government 'misinterpretation' of the CJP’s order by withdrawing the security of a lawyer who is pursuing cases for minorities. They are questioning whether similar steps have been taken regarding the families of political figures.



Talking to The Express Tribune, Malook revealed that he will move an application in the apex court on Saturday (today) at its Lahore registry through his counsel Mahmood Sheikh, seeking direction for providing him security.

“The right to life is my fundamental right and the state is bound to provide me with security under Article 9 of the Constitution,” he further stated.  The counsel also urged the superior bars to take notice of the matter.

Earlier this year, Aasia’s husband and two daughters along with Malook met Additional Registrar Muhammad Ali to arrange a meeting with the chief justice. They intended to request him to fix an early date for the case’s hearing. However, the family was not allowed to meet CJP Nisar.



Aasia’s lawyer also told The Express Tribune that even though the SC was hearing criminal appeals filed in 2016 and 2017, it was not taking up this matter, wherein leave to appeal was granted in 2015.

Malook said that one of Aasia’s daughters suffered from a mental disease and the family wanted an early decision in the case.