Remove barricades outside Hamza’s residence: CJ

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Sunday outraged at closure of roads outside the residence of Punjab chief minister’s son Hamza Shahbaz in Model Town and ordered Punjab chief secretary to remove all hurdles put in the name of security and open the roads to public immediately.

Hearing a suo moto notice into closure of roads in the name of security, CJP remarked that if they felt threatened, they should relocate their houses to some other places where they feel themselves safe.

“I am the Chief Justice of Pakistan, but I don’t need barricades to protect me and no such hurdles have been placed outside my residence,” CJP angrily asked the chief secretary.

The chief justice got infuriated after the chief secretary told the court that the gate which was installed to block the road has been removed in compliance with the court’s order but the barricades are still in place.

The CJP admonished the chief secretary for failing to obey the orders and sought explanation for not opening the roads. The chief secretary said the zigzag barricades had been placed outside Hamza Shahbaz’s residence as he had been receiving life threats continuously.

“Who is he? I don’t know him. If he feels threatened, he should relocate to place of his choice”.

The CJP strictly ordered the chief secretary to clear all roads leading to Hamza’s residence and stop policemen from roaming around in shorts or taking bath in open as they are disturbing the privacy of other inhabitants of the area especially of the women.

“I will make a private surprise visit to the area to ensure the enforcement of court’s order, the CJP said, adding that in case of violation, he would take stringent action.