CJ issues notices to police officers

Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan on Thursday issued show-cause notices for contempt of court to police officials in a suo motu case related to threats and harassment directed at the presiding officer of an anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Sargodha.

The chief justice issued notices to the district police officer of Sargodha, the regional officer of the Counter-Terrorism Department, the deputy superintendent of police (headquarters) and the station house officer concerned.

He sought an explanation by the next hearing date, June 27, over the apparent willful act of restraining lawyers, witnesses, prisoners and parties from approaching the ATC in Sargodha on June 10, citing a security threat. The chief justice also ordered other respondents to file their replies by the next hearing date.

The chief justice directed that the matter be fixed before Justice Shahid Karim for further hearing on June 27, besides directing that reports from the Sargodha ATC judge and others be sent to the Supreme Court.

The LHC chief justice announced the interim order of the previous hearing, which had been reserved on June 13.

The inspector general of police and others appeared during the proceedings in compliance with court orders.