IHC Judges Receive Suspected Anthrax-Laced Letters

In a startling development, eight judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), including the Chief Justice, received suspicious letters containing suspected anthrax powder and a threatening message. The incident comes just a day after the Supreme Court of Pakistan took suo motu notice over allegations made by the IHC’s chief justice and other judges against spy agencies.

According to sources reported by Geo News, the letters were sent anonymously by a woman named Resham, with no return address provided. Upon receiving the envelopes, a staffer of one of the judges accidentally dropped one, leading to extreme irritation in his eyes and burns on the skin around his lips.

All suspicious letters have been handed over to the police for detailed examination and investigation.

Promptly, a police team, including experts, initiated a thorough investigation to collect evidence and determine the nature of the powdery substance. The Islamabad Inspector General (IG) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police were summoned to the Islamabad High Court for further action.

All suspicious letters have been handed over to the police for detailed examination and investigation. Subsequently, a case was lodged at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Police Station in the federal capital, following a complaint by a branch clerk who handled and dispatched the post.

The incident follows a recent crisis triggered by allegations of interference by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs, as raised by six IHC judges in a letter addressed to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). Responding to the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court formed a seven-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to address the matter, with the first hearing scheduled for the following day.

The explosive allegations and subsequent events have cast a shadow over the judiciary, prompting widespread concern and calls for urgent action. The safety and security of judges and judicial independence have once again been thrust into the spotlight, raising questions about the rule of law and the integrity of the justice system in Pakistan.