The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the interior ministry to submit rules for the provision of security to former prime ministers, in response to a case concerning the request for security by PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The former premier, who survived an assassination attempt in November 2022 and is still recuperating, has been demanding security, particularly following a statement from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah that was considered by the PTI as a death threat.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Aamer Farooq asked what rules and how much security is to be provided to a former prime minister. Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal responded that Section 17 (security) of the Prime Minister’s Salary, Allowances and Privileges Act, 1975 was the relevant rule, and that “appropriate security” would be provided, with a notification to be issued in the Special Gazette as per the law.
The IHC chief justice then asked if any security had been provided to Khan currently, to which the official replied affirmatively that “one bullet-proof car” has been provided. The AAG further explained that after the 18th Amendment, the matter of security was a provincial matter, to which Justice Farooq responded that it was “done after April 9 [last year]” and asked AAG Duggal to re-read the notification issued previously.
During the hearing, Imran’s counsel informed the court that Imran could not appear personally, to which the IHC chief justice clarified that “an appearance is not due in this case”. The court ordered the AAG to provide details of the “law or the custom — whatever it is — in the court” regarding security for former prime ministers.
Justice Farooq also emphasised the importance of legal rights and security for former prime ministers, remarking, “Why is the West ahead of us today? Because they have rules”. He directed AAG Duggal to present the security rules so that “an appropriate order” could be given.
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