Pakistan’s top court clarifies security orders for retired judges

Pakistan’s Supreme Court clarified on Saturday its earlier order on security arrangements for retired justices, saying it was aimed at rationalizing deployment while ensuring protection in a “challenging security environment”.

On September 10, the court had directed that each retired Supreme Court judge be provided with three police personnel for security. The directive, approved by the chief justice and circulated to provincial governments and relevant authorities, also extended protection to spouses for life after a judge’s passing - a practice already applied to other former high-ranking officials.

In its latest clarification, the court emphasized that the move was part of a broader effort to make “prudent use of public resources.” It noted that the security detail of the serving chief justice of Pakistan has been scaled down from eight official vehicles to two, which has freed up a significant number of personnel for routine policing duties.

“The security regime for serving judges has also been regulated suitably, making it rational and aligned with the entitlements under the rules,” the statement said.

The court further explained: “In the same spirit, the security to the retired Judges of the Supreme Court has also been regulated in accordance with applicable rules, established security protocols, and entitlements, including the relevant Presidential Order that provides lifetime security to retired judges, considering the sensitive nature of their past office and continuing security concerns.”

It added that a new circular has been issued to implement these protocols “without conferring any extraordinary benefit, added concession or privilege.”

The step, the court said, reaffirms compliance with the rules while ensuring coordination between the judiciary, the Interior Ministry, and provincial authorities for effective implementation.