In a concerning development, it has come to light that eight judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC), including Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, have reportedly received intimidating letters containing an unidentified powder. This unsettling incident has triggered fears of coercion and has underscored apprehensions regarding the safety and integrity of the judicial system.
According to sources within the judiciary, the staff of two judges discovered powder upon opening the letters, leading to discomfort in their eyes. Immediate precautions were taken, including the use of sanitizer and thorough handwashing to mitigate any potential risks.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC confirmed the reception of these letters, noting that the incident caused disruptions in the day’s scheduled hearings. Following the discovery, a specialized team from the Islamabad Police promptly responded to assess the suspicious substance.
Investigative sources have hinted at elements of intimidation in the letters, purportedly sent by an unidentified woman. The lack of a disclosed address further adds to concerns regarding the safety of judicial personnel.
Incident follows IHC judges letter
Authorities have disclosed that the letters were allegedly authored by Resham, the wife of Waqar Hussain. This revelation prompted the summoning of the Inspector General of Islamabad Police and the Deputy Inspector General of Security to address the matter urgently.
Furthermore, the letters have been handed over to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) for an in-depth investigation. This incident has sent ripples of concern throughout the legal fraternity, prompting calls for heightened security protocols to safeguard judges and court staff.
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Recently, six judges from the IHC penned a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), expressing apprehensions regarding alleged interference by intelligence agencies in the court’s proceedings. This situation has brought attention to the delicate equilibrium between judicial autonomy and external pressures.
As the investigation progresses, there is a pressing need to ensure the preservation of judicial independence and uphold the principles of the rule of law amidst external threats and coercive tactics.