— The number of SC judges to receive suspicious letter reaches ten
— Justice Najafi’s staff hands over letter to CTD for action
ISLAMABAD: Five more members of the superior judiciary received threatening letters on Friday, bringing the total count to 10.
Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Justice Muneeb Akhtar are the latest recipients of these intimidating letters, sources disclosed.
The recent influx of letters has prompted an investigation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), according to insider sources.
Sources also revealed that all the letters had been gathered, and traces of arsenic powder had been discovered on the envelopes addressed to Supreme Court justices. So far, a total of 10 justices have been targeted with such alarming communications.
It has been further disclosed by sources that all the letters were received on the same date, although some justices have only come into possession of theirs on Friday.
Meanwhile, the office of the director general (DG) of Pakistan Post issued a notification conveying specific instructions regarding mail addressed to judges, diplomats, and other high-profile individuals.
Urging immediate action, the DG asked for the mail to be carefully examined and delivered to the R&I section of the relevant office.
Furthermore, the director general also emphasized the safety of the postal staff handling the mail.
“Ensuring the safety and security of the postal operational staff is our prime responsibility and priority,” stated the DG in his letter.
Earlier in the day, Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Ali Baqar Najafi became the latest target on Friday of the suspicious ‘toxic letters’ received by superior members of the judiciary over the last few days.
The total number of LHC judges receiving the letter reached six. The letter received by Justice Najafi was said to have been handed over to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
Two days ago, eight judges, including Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) received letters containing an unknown powder, suspected to be laced with anthrax.
A day later, the letters containing the suspicious powdery toxic substance were sent to the Supreme Court jurists, including Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, as well as other judges of the LHC.
Justice Najafi of LHC becomes latest target of ‘toxic letter’
Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Ali Baqar Najafi became the latest target on Friday of the suspicious ‘toxic letters’ received by superior members of the judiciary over the last few days.
The total number of LHC judges receiving the letter has now reached six. The letter received by Justice Najafi has been handed over to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
Two days ago, eight judges, including Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) received letters containing an unknown powder, suspected to be laced with anthrax.
The incident, coming just a day after the Supreme Court of Pakistan initiated suo motu proceedings over allegations of the IHC’s chief justice and other judges against spy agencies, has heightened fears of intimidation and raised serious concerns about the safety and security of the judiciary.
Last week, six judges from the IHC voiced their concerns to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) regarding alleged interference by intelligence agencies in the court’s affairs, shining a spotlight on the delicate balance between judicial independence and external influence.
According to judicial sources, staff members of two judges discovered powder upon opening the letters, resulting in burning sensations in their eyes. Immediate action was taken, with affected individuals using sanitizer and washing their hands as a precautionary measure.
Confirming the receipt of the letters, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq stated that the incident caused delays in the day’s hearings. Upon discovery of the suspicious powder, a team of experts from the Islamabad Police swiftly arrived at the IHC to examine the substance.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the letters, which displayed signs of intimidation, were sent by a woman who did not disclose her address. Furthermore, the letters were addressed to multiple judges, intensifying concerns about the safety of the judiciary.
Authorities disclosed that the letters were purportedly authored by a woman named Resham, wife of Waqar Hussain, prompting urgent action by summoning the Inspector General of Islamabad Police and the Deputy Inspector General of Security to address the matter.
A day later, the letters containing the suspicious powdery toxic substance were sent to the Supreme Court jurists, including Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, as well as those of the Lahore High Court.
The disclosure was made by Islamabad DIG (Operations) Shahzad Bukhari before IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq.
The DIG (Operations), summoned by the IHC CJ during the hearing of the cypher case, informed that four SC judges – CJP Isa, Justices Athar Minallah, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Aminuddin Khan – had received similar letters on April1.
Additionally, letters were also received by SC’s Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Shahid Waheed posted by someone identifying themselves as Gulshad Khatun, according to sources.
The incidents moved Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take notice. Addressing a cabinet meeting a day earlier, he said the government was investigating the matter.
“The government, with the sense of responsibility, will also probe this matter to uncover the reality,” the prime minister said.
