Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq addressed the security issue for former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This followed a request by Imran Khan, leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for appropriate security in response to alleged “threats” from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah in a high court case.
At the beginning of the hearing, the court sought information on the current security policies in place and the level of protection provided to Imran Khan. Justice Farooq stated that an order would be issued once the information was provided. He also clarified that Imran Khan did not need to appear in court for this case, as it solely concerned the provision of security.
The IHC Chief Justice questioned the legal provisions concerning security for a former prime minister. The Additional Attorney General (AAG) assured the court that adequate security would be provided and explained that a special gazette was legally required to publish a security notification for a former prime minister.
When asked about Imran Khan’s bail status, the AAG mentioned that he had been provided with a bulletproof vehicle. The AAG also noted that security had become a provincial responsibility following the 18th Amendment.
An interior ministry representative informed the court that the notification outlining lifetime security was supposed to be issued but had not been. He stated that provincial security was the responsibility of provincial governments, while the federal government provided security up to Islamabad. The representative also mentioned that Punjab’s Inspector General (IG) was responsible for security in the province, and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Security was in charge of security in Islamabad.
Justice Farooq inquired about the current situation, and the ministry representative reiterated that Imran Khan had been provided with security. The chief justice emphasized that the law was the law and that security must be provided by its provisions. He also stated that everyone had rights, regardless of incarceration.
Imran Khan’s attorney requested security for his client, stating that no security plan existed. Justice Farooq expressed regret that the government did not handle these minor issues independently and required court intervention.
In conclusion, the court said it would issue appropriate orders once the security directives for former prime ministers were submitted.
