In a disturbing turn of events, eight judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), including Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, have reportedly received threatening letters filled with an unknown powder. This incident has sparked fears of intimidation and raised concerns about the safety and security of the judiciary.Last week, six judges of the IHC penned a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), expressing their concerns about alleged interference by intelligence agencies in the court's affairs. This development has put a spotlight on the delicate balance between judicial independence and external influence.
Judicial sources told Express News that when the staff of two judges opened the letters, they found powder inside. Subsequently, the affected staff experienced burning sensations in their eyes. Swift action was taken, with affected individuals using sanitizer and washing their hands as a precautionary measure.
Confirming the reception of the letters, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated that the incident contributed to delays in the day's hearings. Upon receiving the letters, a team of experts from the Islamabad Police promptly arrived at the Islamabad High Court to examine the suspicious powder.
Sources close to the investigation indicated that the letters contained signs of intimidation and were sent by a woman who did not disclose her address. The letters were addressed to multiple judges, heightening concerns about the safety of the judiciary.
It has been revealed that the letters were purportedly written by a woman named Resham, wife of Waqar Hussain. This revelation has led authorities to summon the Inspector General of Islamabad Police and the Deputy Inspector General of Security to address the matter urgently.
Additionally, the suspicious letters have been handed over to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) for further investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the legal community, prompting calls for enhanced security measures to safeguard judges and court personnel. As the investigation unfolds, there is a growing urgency to ensure the protection of judicial independence and uphold the rule of law in the face of external threats and intimidation tactics.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a fervent plea for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the distressing reports of threatening letters purportedly sent to judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), who recently lodged a complaint with the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) regarding alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial matters.
Expressing grave concern, a spokesperson for the PTI articulated that the evident objective behind these letters, which purportedly contain harmful substances, is to intimidate the esteemed judges of the high court, coercing them to retract their letter addressed to the Supreme Judicial Council.
The receipt of these letters underscores the critical need for a swift and resolute inquiry into any potential interference with the judiciary, the spokesperson underscored.
Moreover, the spokesperson underscored the necessity of implementing special measures to ensure the safety and security of the six judges from the Islamabad High Court who bravely voiced their concerns. These measures must also extend to their families, emphasised the PTI representative.
To effectively combat interference and intimidation and to fortify the judiciary against such threats, the spokesperson urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to expediently refer the matter to the full court, advocating for transparent proceedings until a satisfactory resolution is attained.
In addition to concerns about the judiciary, the PTI has also raised serious alarms regarding alleged threats to the life of PTI founder Imran Khan's spouse, Bushra Bibi. Reports suggest that toxic substances were purportedly mixed into her food while she was detained at Bani Gala sub-jail.
The spokesperson highlighted the precarious state of Bushra Bibi's health and life, attributing it to the denial of her constitutional right to medical examination. The PTI called for her immediate medical evaluation by a trusted doctor from Shaukat Khanum Hospital, demanding a thorough investigation into the poisoning incident to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The PTI further demanded the prompt release of Bushra Bibi from detention and urged the court to expedite her medical assessment. The spokesperson reiterated that both Imran Khan and his wife are unjustly detained in what they deem baseless and politically motivated cases, posing a significant risk to their lives and fundamental rights.
Warning of severe repercussions if any harm comes to Bushra Bibi, the spokesperson unequivocally held the jail administration, authorities, and the state accountable. The PTI lauded the unwavering resolve of Imran Khan and his wife in championing the cause of true freedom, constitutional supremacy, and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the PTI vehemently condemned the purported unlawful re-arrest of party leaders Sanam Javed and Aliya Hamza, denouncing it as yet another fabricated case allegedly orchestrated to placate the 'illegitimate' Punjab chief minister, Maryum Nawaz.
The spokesperson criticised the alleged vindictive policies of the Punjab government, decrying what they perceive as state brutality and political vendetta against innocent PTI leaders. Urging the judiciary to uphold fundamental rights and ensure justice for all unjustly detained PTI members nationwide, the party remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights and liberties of its members and citizens alike.
