IHC adjourns hearing in petition

ISLAMABAD A single member bench of Islamabad High Court, comprising Chief Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rehman, on Monday adjourned the hearing in a petition filed against nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan to limit his movement and stop him form talking to international media. Col (r) Muhammad Fahim Khan, security officer of Dr AQ Khan, has filed the petition in the IHC pleading that Dr Qadeer should be asked to ensure his limited movement and to refrain from talking to international media On Monday Raja Zafar Khaliq, counsel of Dr Qadeer Khan, submitted the reply on the petition. On behalf of the Ministry of Interior, counsel, Ahmer Bilal Sufi and Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Tariq Mehmood Jahangir appeared before the court pleading that in 2009 the court had issued orders that Dr AQ Khan would follow the security SOPs. Also it was clearly mentioned that before moving anywhere Dr Qadeer will inform his security staff, however, the scientist is not abiding by the orders. The counsel pleaded that keeping in view the prevailing security situation; the implementation of SOPs is necessary. Dr Khan is not following the security advisories and clearances issued by the security staff, which is a sheer violation of the court orders issued in 2009. The Chief Justice said, since the Dr Qadeer has submitted his reply after going through it the court will issue its verdict. The court adjourned the hearing.