–Lashes out at Punjab IG for providing security to PML-N leaders like Rana Sanaullah, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Abid Sher Ali and Ahsan Iqbal’s son
–Says if politicians are unable to arrange for security themselves, then the amount should be given from a joint fund
LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday said that Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police Capt (r) Arif Nawaz Khan had provided security to the “anti-judiciary brigade”, alluding to leaders of the former ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
A two-judge bench, headed by the Justice Nisar and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, resumed the hearing of the case regarding the provision of extra security to individuals.
Advocate Azhar Ali Siddique submitted a list of 31 people, including political personalities, who currently have state security. The list includes Marriyum Aurangzeb, Tallal Chaudhry, Daniyal Aziz and Ahsan Iqbal’s son.
Upon hearing the names, the CJP remarked that security is being provided to those who curse the courts, and rejected the IGP’s report.
“Punjab police has given all the security to PML-N members and their families. Security to deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, former chief minister Shehbaz Sharif, former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal, former speaker Ayaz Sadiq, former law minister Zahid Hamid is understandable,” Justice Nisar observed. “But why is security being provided to former provincial law minister Rana Sanaullah, former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, former IT minister Anusha Rehman, former water and power minister Abid Sher Ali and Ahsan Iqbal’s son Ahmed Iqbal?”
Furthermore, the CJP inquired about Hamza Shehbaz’s security. IG Khan said that he was provided with ‘one-fourth’ security. “And how much security do I have? You have provided me with the same security as Hamza, and you had declined security to judges, even SC judges,” the CJP remarked.
The bench then directed all members of the security committee to appear before the court by 8pm Saturday.
The CJP further observed that a security personnel incurs a cost of Rs25,000, while one for a political leader costs Rs60,000.
“This is the nation’s money, we will not allow it to be spent this way,” he added. Justice Nisar further said that if the personalities are unable to arrange for security themselves, then the amount should be given from a joint fund.
