PHC issues notice over withdrawal of security from ex-CM

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday issued a notice to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary in response to a petition challenging the provincial government’s decision to withdraw official security from former chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians (PTIP) Chairman Mahmood Khan.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Aurangzeb heard the case. Advocate Shumail Ahmad Butt appeared on behalf of the petitioner.

The counsel informed the court that Mahmood Khan, being a former chief minister, was entitled to official security. However, his security detail was withdrawn shortly after Ali Amin Gandapur assumed office as the new chief minister.

According to the counsel, CM Gandapur ordered the removal of official security for all former chief ministers, citing financial constraints and suggesting that anyone needing protection should hire private security guards instead. The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the move put political figures at greater risk and requested the court to direct the government to reinstate the security detail.