Security arrangements for four high court judges, including Justice Ali Baqar Najafi who is heading the judicial commission investigating the June 17 mayhem in Model Town, was tightened on Saturday after they received phone calls and letters carrying life threats.
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Zulfiqar Hameed told The Express Tribune the judges had been facing threats from various quarters for quite a time. However, he said, it was a probably coincidence that Justice Najafi was heading the judicial commission. He said Elite Force officials had been deployed at the court and police commandoes were protecting the judges.
The CCPO denied that security had been tightened because of some threatening letters.
Another police officer said on condition of anonymity that the four judges had received threatening letters from banned militant outfits.
Police officers visited the high court on Saturday to review security arrangements, he said on condition of anonymity.
Separately, the Lahore High Court Bar Association condemned the reports of judges being threatened.
Meanwhile, the joint investigation team (JIT) that has been recording statements of police officers who took part in the June 17 operation has shortlisted some officers for further interrogation. The JIT has footages of these officers opening fire at Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2014.
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