LAHORE - The Supreme Court (SC) was informed on Saturday that 4,610 police officials had been withdrawn from security duty of non-entitled individuals.
Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Arif Nawaz Khan made the statement before a two-member bench, comprising Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan. The apex court bench was hearing a notice over provision of security to non-entitled persons.
The Punjab police chief told the top court that these officials were deputed on security of 297 politicians, 537 civil administration officers, 54 media persons and media houses, and 23 lawyers, in response to a court query.
He further submitted that 49 police mobiles were also withdrawn from security of non-entitled individuals.
At this, the bench observed that it only wanted that security should be withdrawn from individuals who were not entitled. As per policy, the security should be provided to individuals who have security issue, the court added.
The bench, adjourning further hearing, sought a detailed report within two weeks in this regard.
According to police sources, 1,853 individuals including political, religious and police high-ups had been provided security, which had been withdrawn immediately on the court orders.
As many as 1,347 policemen had been deployed with 297 politicians, added the sources. The Punjab government had also deployed 296 policemen with 250 religious leaders, who had now been called back, the sources told state-run news agency Associated Press of Pakistan.
ECP decision on delimitation on 24th
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will announce its decision on representation of three districts regarding delimitation of constituencies-2018 on Tuesday, (April 24).
The Election Commission Punjab chapter sources told Associated Press of Pakistan that the hearing of representtaion of district Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan and Rahim Yar Khan was held on Saturday. However, decision was pronounced only about Pakpattan district.
The decision on remaining three districts would be given on April 24.
Meanwhile, hearing of representations of Rajanpur, DG Khan, Muzaffargarh and Layyah districts was fixed for April 23, the sources added.
