Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought a reply from Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan over ignorance of court’s orders to keep his movements restricted.
The single member bench comprising Chief Justice of Islamabad High
Court, Justice Iqbal Hamid-ur-Rehman, on Tuesday heard the petition
filed by the Chief Security Officer of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Colonel
(retd) Muhammad Fahim Khan.
Counsel for petitioner Bilal Ahmer Sufi contended before the court
that Dr. Khan has disregarded of orders of the court by continuing the
contact with media and political persons.
The petitioner argued in his petition that due to bad security
condition of the country the court ordered Dr. Qadeer to keep his
movements restricted but he is not following it.
Chief Justice of IHC said in his remarks that no order can be passed
without hearing of Dr Qadeer’s arguments, meanwhile the court issued a
notice to Dr. Qadeer Khan for submitting his para wise reply within
next four weeks.
It is worth mentioning here that a plea was moved in IHC on Monday
seeking restrictions on free movement of renowned nuclear scientist Dr
Abdul Qadeer Khan.
Petitioner Colonel Muhammad Faheem, the Chief Security Coordinator
to Dr AQ Khan, submitted a plea regarding the implementation of IHC
order of February 6, 2009.
He raised serious objections to frequent travel and meetings of Dr
Khan and feared that it could put him in awkward position and cause
risk to his life.
It has been mentioned in the petition that Dr. AQ Khan decided on
his own to visit Behria Town and Gujranwala twice and is insisting to
walk on the foot path facing a wide strip of bushes and this stretch
can not be secured to the satisfaction of security staff.
Petitioner has contended that Khan has declined to use bullet proof
vehicle and insisting to use an ordinary vehicle, meanwhile petitioner
has said in petition that Dr Khan is also insisting to meet those
people who are otherwise are not allowed to meet him.
It has been mentioned in the petition that more recently security
staff of Dr. AQ Khan has monitored and picked up the some extremely
suspicious movement of persons and vehicles close to his residence,
adding that some confidential information in this regard has taken
placed but shall be presented to the court in the chamber.
The petitioner has said that the security officials have gathered
information that several foreigners have taken houses on the rent in
the same sector where Dr. Khan is living; the details are also enclosed
with the petition. It also had been written in the petition that it is
learned that a foreigner is likely to shift to the house in next door
as well.
Petitioner has contended that it is necessary to submit the above
risk assessment before this court to Dr. AQ Khan for compliance with
security advice and protocol.
The petitioner has said in concluding Para of the petition that “
because of the continued ergative attitude of Dr. Khan towards security
protocols, his willful defiance of security advice, and because of his
national stature it had become extremely difficult to implement the
orders of the court in respect of Dr. Khan security.
Petitioner has prayed that under the circumstances court may be
pleased to place on record the report as provided above including
annexes as required under order of this court dated 06-02-2009 and may
pass appropriate orders, if deemed necessary. SANA
