SC directs security cover for all judges who have retired or will retire from apex court

LAHORE: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the federal and provincial authorities to ensure the provision of official security to all judges of the apex court who have retired or will retire, citing the prevailing security environment in the country. In an official communication, a copy of which is available with The News, issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, and approved by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Ministry of Interior has been asked to make arrangements for deploying a contingent of three police personnel for each retired judge. The composition of the contingent will remain at the discretion of the local District Police Officer (DPO).

The letter further stipulates that, following the demise of a retired judge, the surviving spouse will continue to be entitled to the same level of security for life. The communication, dated September 5, 2025, was sent to the Ministry of Interior with copies forwarded to the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan for compliance.

The directive underscores the judiciary’s concern for the safety of its former members in light of ongoing security challenges.