PHC directs KP govt, police to protect citizen from extortionists

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday directed the police and provincial government to provide security to a citizen who is seeking protection from extortionists.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Irshad Qaiser and Justice Syed Afsar Shah issued the directive to the Police Department and the provincial government to provide security to the citizen from the provincial metropolis.

The court issued the directive in a writ petition filed by Malik Khursheed Ahmad, who is running a medicine shop in Dabgari Garden. He has sought protection from the extortionists. The citizen also sought court order to direct the government to allow him to keep the prohibited bore arms for his protection as the police had not provided him appropriate security.

During hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer Muazzam Butt submitted before the court that his client was receiving frequent calls and messages from extortionists, who had identified themselves as members of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). A police officer, Farhad Hussain, appeared before the bench. He stated that due to the telephone calls and information collected from the petitioner, the police had traced out the extortionist and one person had also been nominated in the case.  However, he said that the police kept secret the names of the extortionists and these would be made public after their arrests.

The police officer stated that the police were providing security to the petitioner. However, he said the petitioner kept his medicine shop open till late night, which was endangering his security.

The petitioner termed the police attitude towards him inappropriate and complained the force was not providing proper security to him to carry on his business. The petitioner’s lawyer submitted that due to improper police security to the petitioner, the court may direct the government to allow him to keep arms for his security as he and his family were going through mental torture.

“If a minister and members of the provincial and national assemblies’ are allowed to keep prohibited bore arms for their security, why not a citizen in such a situation,” the lawyer questioned. He stated that protection of life, liberty and business of a citizen was the prime responsibility of the government.

However, Additional Advocate General Qaiser Ali Shah stated that allowing prohibited bore arms to citizens for protection was not possible as everyone would start making the same demand. During hearing, Justice Irshad Qaiser, observed that despite the police security, the petitioner can also avail himself of private security as private companies were providing security to offices and firms in the province.