Former Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza. PHOTO: INP
The SHC directed the police authorities on Friday to refrain from arresting, and instead provide security to Mirza during his visit to the anti-terrorism court in Karachi today.
A division bench, headed by Sajjad Ali Shah, disposed of Mirza's petition against the withdrawal of government security escorts provided to him, his wife Dr Fehmida Mirza and their son. His lawyer, Ashraf Samon, said his client intends to surrender before the anti-terrorism court in Karachi, where cases regarding alleged ransacking of the Model police station against him have been transferred for trial. However, he apprehended that the police may arrest him.
The court was pleaded to restrain the police from arresting Mirza. A direction was also sought to order them to provide security to the former home minister, who allegedly faces threats to his life since he made statements against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Faisal Arab granted protective bail to Mirza for 10 days in two fresh criminal cases lodged against him in Badin. Granting bail against a sum of Rs100,000 for each case, the bench directed him to surrender before the trial court.
Faryal Talpur joins in
PPP MNA Faryal Talpur, sister of Zardari, also filed an application to become an intervener to join the proceedings regarding provision of security guards. Her attorney, advocate Farooq H Naek, said that the security of his client was questioned by Mirza, therefore, Talpur be allowed to clear her position.
Allowing the request, the bench issued notices to Mirza, the home secretary, chief secretary, Sindh IG and others to file their comments.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2015.
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