Special security arrangements in SC for PM case hearing

ISLAMABAD: For proper Court decorum and smooth functioning of the Supreme Court, entry into Court room No.4, where a seven-member Bench headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk will announce the judgment/order in Contempt of Court matter regarding the implementation of judgment in NRO Case on Thursday will be regulated by passes.

According to an SC press release, special security cameras have been installed in the courtrooms as well as public entry gates and reception areas of the court.

Passes will be issued to the petitioners, respondents and their counsel appearing before the court.

The entry of the journalists who regularly cover Supreme Court proceedings will also be made through passes.

As regards others, passes will be issued to all those who are interested to watch the court proceedings but subject to seating capacity in the said courtroom. Passes to be issued on "first-come first-serve basis" may be obtained from the office of Additional Registrar, Supreme Court.

Entry into Court building will be allowed after checking/frisking and searching of bags/purses etc. No Cell phone can be carried inside the courtroom.

Meanwhile, Minister for Interior on Wednesday also said that entry in courtroom would be allowed to those who have been issued passes during Prime Minister's appearance in a case before Supreme Court.

He was talking to mediapersons after chairing a high level meeting held here to review law and order situation and security arrangements made for PM's appearance.

He said, however, advocates along with their clients who have cases on cause list would be allowed to enter the court.

Chief Commissioner Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Inspector General of Police, Islamabad and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) (Security) briefed the minister regarding security arrangements made for the occasion.

Rehman Malik said he has issued directions that security of Supreme Court building and surrounding should be beefed up to
avoid any untoward incident.

He said entry in Red Zone would be allowed only on production of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).

Aerial surveillance would also be carried out through helicopters during the hearing of case while Red Zone would be affectively cordoned off and alternate traffic plan be prepared, to avoid inconvenience to public. There would be four helicopters for air surveillance, he added.

The minister said IGP has been directed to make arrangements for proper publicity of alternative routs for convenience of general public.

He said Deputy Superintendents with requisite manpower would be deputed on all road crossings for guidance of the public regarding the alternative routes and to coordinate the security with various detachments of the police.

Effective security sweep arrangements on adjoining hilltops and outer cordons would also be ensured with support of additional staff and manpower, he said.

He further directed IGP to ensure overall security of Islamabad during this occasion and said Chief Commissioner ICT, IGP and Deputy Commissioner will be present in red zone for ensuring implementation of instructions issued for making security arrangements.

Moreover, he said foolproof security would be ensured for the buildings, which are President's House, Prime Minister's House, Parliament House and Supreme Court.

He said Prime Minister would walk to Supreme Court like an ordinary citizen and the point from where Prime Minister would walk to Supreme Court would be communicated later.

The Minister said scanners would also be procured in sufficient numbers and added that no political workers would be allowed to enter premises of Supreme Court, its vicinity.

He said separate routes would be earmarked for general public and lawyers, he said and further directed that there should be no hassle/crowd at entry of Supreme Court.

Rehman Malik said a vehicular scanner would also be placed at one entry of Red Zone, adding that IGP would be overall in-charge of the security.