The Supreme Court on Wednesday summoned the federal Law Secretary in response to a suo motu case over life-time security and other perks and privileges to former premiers and federal ministers. A five-member bench of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry suspended the notification during the hearing of a suo motu, over perks and privileges to former cabinet members.
The court was informed that an estimated Rs 290 million would be spent annually on the security of former prime ministers and federal ministers till the final disposal of case. Chief Justice Chaudhry remarked that Rehman Malik, former interior minister, should inform the court about the nature of threats he was facing and why he needed security. Chief Justice Chaudhry said that under Article 9 of the constitution it was the responsibility of state to ensure security to life and property of citizens. He inquired about the law under which notification on life-time security was issued. He said prima facie the notification was issued without any legal cover. The hearing of case was adjourned till April 18.