SHC orders foolproof security for Imran

CJ Abbasi emphasizes court's adherence to legal principles

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday issued a directive instructing the federal government to ensure comprehensive security measures for the PTI founder at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

The court emphasized its impartial stance, asserting that it adjudicates matters strictly in accordance with the law, irrespective of the individual involved, whether it be Imran Khan or PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.

A division bench of the SHC, presided over by Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Mobeen Lakho, deliberated on an application seeking heightened security for the PTI founder.

Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Khaleeq Ahmed while filing comments on behalf of the federal government adopted the stance that the Centre had issued directives to the Punjab government to increase the security at Adiala Jail and provide foolproof security to Imran Khan.

He said the federal government had not only issued the orders but was also monitoring the entire situation.

He added that the PTI’s plea did not fall within the ambit of SHC and that the applicant should approach the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench.

Applicant Wahab Baloch’s counsel Ghuma Mohiyuddin Advocate argued that sensitive state institutions had expressed their concern about the security at Adiala Jail, adding that terrorists along with weapons were also apprehended outside the prison.

He stated that the federation bore the responsibility of guaranteeing the security of PTI founder.

He further noted that the federal government in its reply had backed PTI’s stance and admitted that Imran Khan’s life was in danger in the prison.

Addressing the DAG, the SHC chief justice remarked that the security of Imran Khan was the federal government’s “major responsibility” as he was in prison and “could not flee anywhere”.

He said the federal government “could not get rid of the matter”, noting that the Centre would look into it if there was a threat from outside.

He said the court had sought a reply from the federal government keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter.

The SHC chief justice directed the DAG that the federal government should constantly monitor the jail security and if necessary, the authorities concerned should increase the security inside and outside the prison.

Addressing the applicant, the chief justice remarked that their legal team should approach the relevant forum for filing the plea. He further noted that SHC was not the appropriate platform, but the court had summoned a reply from the government keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter.

The chief justice said the federal government was fulfilling its responsibility, adding that if the applicant had further apprehensions, they could approach the LHC or the Rawalpindi Bench.

The PTI lawyers requested the chief justice to pass an order to provide foolproof security to the PTI founder.

The chief justice replied that the court had to see matters according to law and was not concerned whether it was Imran Khan or Nawaz Sharif.

The SHC while making the federal government’s reply part of the court record ordered the federal government to provide foolproof security to the PTI founder and disposed of the plea.
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