Khudayar Mohla-
Supreme Court has taken a number of security measures ahead hearing a plea on Tuesday seeking directives to ascertain truth behind recently leaked video by PML-N leadership claiming that Accountability Court Islamabad II Judge Arshad Malik has convicted former prime minister Sharif in Al-Aziza reference under coercion.
Arshad Malik who is set to appear before a three-member bench of the Chief Justice Sardar Asif Saeed Khan Khosa during the proceedings of the matter has urged the law ministry to provide him foolproof security due expressing life threats to him and his family.
Federal law ministry during last week barred Arshad Malik from serving as Accountability Court judge after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) requested his removal over a controversial video unveiled by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in which he was purportedly heard saying that he was blackmailed into convicting former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the top court said issued a statement before adjudication of the matter on Monday that special security measures have been taken to beef up security in the premises of Supreme Court.
Shahid Hussain Kamboyo further said that in view of limited seating capacity in the Court Room No. 1, the entry will be regulated through special security passes to be issued by SP (Security) Supreme Court adding only the petitioners/respondents whose cases are fixed in Court will be allowed to enter in Supreme Court premises.
However, advocates and journalists who regularly come for Supreme Court proceedings will be exempted from passes whereas general public who are intended to witness the proceedings of the case on Tuesday have been asked to contact SP (Security) Supreme Court Building for security passes.
Besides, entry into Court building will be allowed after checking/frisking and searching of bags/purses whereas no cell phone is allowed to be carried inside the Courtroom.
“We expect all concerned to follow the instructions and cooperate with the security staff on duty in the Court premises. The security personnel have also been directed to deal with the visitors with utmost courtesy”, concluded the spokesperson.
