CM wants separate police unit for judges’ security

Unit to be formed with the advice and guidance of judges

Karachi

The Sindh chief minister ordered on Sunday the formation of a separate police unit to provide foolproof security to judges. The unit will be formed with the advice and guidance of judges.

At a meeting, IGP AD Khowaja briefed Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on the progress in the kidnapping case of Awais Shah, the Sindh High Court chief justice’s son.

The police chief said his department had acquired access to Awais’ digital data including phone call, SMS, and WhatsApp records.

“We have used all resources available to police and intelligence agencies to work out this case,” he said. “Police, Rangers and intelligence agencies are working together to rescue Awais soon.”

The chief minister said Awais’ kidnapping was aimed at demoralising the judiciary. “Our judiciary is strong enough to withstand such tough times but that doesn’t mean we will sit idle,” he said.

“We have to work day and night to rescue him [Awais] safe and sound and plan a foolproof security for judges.”

The IGP told the chief minister that 2,670 cops had been provided to judges for their security, 1,200 for apex court and high court judges. Besides, paramilitary soldiers are also providing security to judges.

The chief minister directed the chief secretary and the IGP to form a separate police unit for the security of all judges.

He added that the mechanism should be chalked out in consultation with judges.

He directed the IGP to hold a meeting with the judges or their registrars to seek their guidance on their security.  The chief minister also reviewed the progress in the Amjad Sabri murder case.

Water theft

Local government minister Jam Khan Shoro told the chief minister that a water theft network at Murat Cinema had been busted.

Giving details, he said a pipe had been connected to the main supply line and heavy motors were being used to steal water. The thieves were mixing freshwater stolen from the main line of the water board with underground water and selling it to industrialists.

They were also issuing computerised bills to industrialists and receiving payments through cheques.

Shoro said one gang involved in water theft had been busted and there were 12 more operating in the city.

An FIR has been filed against Taj Kohistani and his gang.

The chief minister directed the IGP to arrest water thieves including those nominated in the FIR.