SHC directs Bilawal to submit SC order in VIP security case

Separately, court summons labour secretary, others to reply on non-implementation of disabled quota

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s counsel has been granted an extension by the Sindh High Court (SHC) to present a copy of the Supreme Court (SC)'s order on provision of security to the party head.

A two-member bench was hearing the case on Thursday. In his petition, Bilawal maintained that there are serious threats to his life and hence security should be provided to him. He stated that his mother Benazir Bhutto was assassinated and militant groups have openly threatened the party and also attacked PPP leaders on numerous occasions.

The petition further read that Bilawal has to travel across the country for political activities. Hence, he requested that an order to ensure foolproof security arrangements be issued to the federal and provincial governments. The court sought a copy of the SC order regarding security for VIPs. Bilawal’s counsel Akhtar Hussain requested extra time to submit the order.

Separately, the SHC also directed that a full report be submitted by June 22 after a reference is filed in the case of embezzlement of millions in the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL).

The accused in the case, incumbent Karachi Commissioner Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Amin Qasim Dada and others were also present during the hearing. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor told the court that the investigation against the commissioner and other accused had been completed. The matter is now dependent on the NAB's chairperson’s approval to file a reference against the accused. The commissioner and other accused had previously approached the high court for pre-arrest bail, which the court had approved.



In another case, the SHC summoned the labour secretary, special education secretary and rehabilitation secretary over failure to implement the 5% job quota for persons with disabilities.

A two-member bench was reqyested by the petitioner that employment exchange be established in every district to register persons with disabilities. He also sought the court order for the inspection of the current employment exchange.

The petitioner requested the formation of separate categories for persons with physical and mental disabilities and sought complete quota and employment details from the government. The court questioned why the law was not being implemented. Expressing dissatisfaction at additional advocate-general, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked why laws are framed when they do not have to be complied with. The court remarked that this is the fifth case in which the law is not being followed. The officials have been summoned on May 23 to comment on the issue.