ISLAMABAD: Though judicial officers and judges of the district courts are not entitled to security according to police assessment, 62 such officials have been provided with security, the Islamabad police told a subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Tuesday.

“As per our assessment, security should be provided to only those judges who hear sensitive cases but after the terrorist attack in the district court, we got directions from the high court to provide security to judges of the district court. Judges get angry if they are not provided with security,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security Waqar Ahmed Chohan said.

Four to eight terrorists had entered the district court on March 3, 2014 and opened fire. They also threw hand grenades, killing 12 people including additional session judge Rafaqat Awan, and 28 people were injured.

Only those judges who hear sensitive cases should be given security protocol, DIG says

The chairman of the committee, PML-N Senator Javed Abbasi said that a number of lawyers were also killed during the attack but they are not provided security and asked how security was being provided without entitlement.

He also asked about the security arrangements for the upcoming elections and asked what the criterion was for providing security to different people.

DIG Chohan said an Individual Security Threat Assessment Committee had been established on the directions of the Supreme Court.

“The committee is chaired by me and there are six other members from the police, Inter-Services Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta). All directions of the interior minister, cabinet division and court orders are first considered when providing security,” he said.

The DIG explained that people apply for security and their applications are analysed to see if the threat is due to their services for Pakistan or due to personal enmity.

The police also do a threat assessment on the basis of reports by the intelligence agencies and Nacta, he said.

“Security of some former ministers was increased due to religious verdicts against them. However, it has been decided that it will be seen every six months if they need further security or not,” he said.

The DIG said two high profile candidates, Imran Khan and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, are contesting the elections from Islamabad and they have both been provided with security.

Senior Superintendent of Police Najeebur Rehman Bugvi said political parties will have to get a no-objection certificate from the district administration for public meetings but candidates can hold corner meetings after informing the relevant station house officers.

On the suggestion of Senator Mian Ateeq Sheikh, the committee directed that a complete list of personalities who were being provided with security be furnished.

In April, Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had directed police chiefs from all the provinces to withdraw security protocol provided to influential individuals who were not entitled to official security. Later, the chief justice said security can be provided to those who are really under threat.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2018