Islamabad (Web Desk): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Thursday directed the government to provide security to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former premier Imran Khan as per the law.
The directive by the IHC came during the hearing of a plea seeking security for Imran Khan after a statement from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah that was considered by the PTI as a death threat.
At the outset of the hearing, the court inquired about the current security rules, as well as how much security Imran Khan was being given.
Additional Attorney General (AAG) Munawar Iqbal Duggal told the court that Section 17 is about the security of a prime minister.
He added that “appropriate security” would be provided and the notification for it will be issued in the Special Gazette as per the law.
The IHC chief justice then asked the AAG if any security had been provided to Khan currently to which the official replied affirmatively that “one bullet-proof car” has been provided.
The AAG continued that after the 18th Amendment provision of security was a provincial matter.
A representative of the interior ministry told the court that a lifetime security was supposed to be given, but the notification detailing it had not been issued.
He added that the federal government provides security to the extent of Islamabad, whereas provincial governments have to manage it provincially.
The representative further said that the deputy inspector general (DIG) of security looks after it in Islamabad, while the Inspector General (IG) of Punjab is responsible for security provisions in the province.
“As long as Imran was in Islamabad, he was given foolproof security,” he said.
On the CJ’s inquiry into the current situation, the ministry representative reiterated that security had been provided to Imran.
Meanwhile, PTI's lawyer Salman Safdar referred to the Wazirabad incident when an attempt to assassinate the former premier had been made.
At this point, Justice Farooq directed the authorities to provide Khan with security as written in the law.
He ordered them to present the rules and laws regarding the provision of security to a former prime minister.
The IHC CJ also observed that the government must have to review the security in light of the threat alert.
In his remarks, Justice Aamer Farooq said that everyone should get their legal rights.
He said that the former prime minister should get the security according to his status.
Justice Farooq directed the authorities to inform the court the extent of security a former premier is entitled to.
The court maintained that an order would be issued after the requisite details were submitted.