Over 13,600 police guards withdrawn on top judge order

ISLAMABAD: More than 13,600 police personnel deputed for the security of important figures across Pakistan have been withdrawn in compliance with the order of Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar.

The unprecedented action taken by the federal and provincial governments has affected many politicians, including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, former interior minister Aftab Sherpao, Jamiate Ulema-eislam-fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, as well as police officials, journalists, bureaucrats, foreigners and judges.

The data provided by law enforcement agencies shows that 4,160 personnel in Punjab; 5,005 cops in Sindh; around 3,000 policemen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP); 829 personnel of Balo-chistan Constabulary and cops in Balo¬chistan; and 246 in Islamabad have been called back to their stations following the chief justice’s directive.

Move draws sharp criticism as it affects many politicians, judges, police officers, journalists, civilians and foreigners.

The chief justice had asked the provincial inspectors general police (IGPS) on April 19 to withdraw security which had been provided to the non-entitled persons. During his visit to the Peshawar, he had taken notice of the deployment of a large number of police personnel at the residences and offices of the unauthorised persons.

He directed the Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Islamabad police chiefs “to withdraw the police security within 24 hours from those people who are not entitled, and submit affidavits to the effect duly attested by oath commissioner on next date of hearing April 23 in Islamabad.”