The revelations regarding suspicious letters received by judges of the Lahore High Court, as detailed in the FIR, have sparked significant concern within legal circles. According to the FIR, the missives made references to Tehreek-e-Namoos-e-Pakistan, evidently aiming to cast aspersions on the integrity of the judicial system, with phrases like “Welcome to Bacillus Anthracis” featured prominently. The FIR suggests that these expressions were employed to intimidate the honorable judges, attempting to influence their decisions. Meanwhile, investigative sources indicate that inquiries into the matter are underway, with references made to “Bacillus Anthracis,” a type of bacteria commonly found in animals. Furthermore, a report from forensic sources allegedly detected traces of arsenic, totaling 70 milligrams, within the correspondence. Consequently, the matter has been included in the Security Incharge High Court’s plea.
In addition to the previously affected judges, five more justices of the Supreme Court have reportedly received similar suspicious letters, prompting the Supreme Court authorities to refer the matter to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). Among those receiving threatening missives are Justice Manzoor Akhtar, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Irfan Saadat, and Justice Ayesha Malik. This alarming trend extends to include Chief Justice and ten other judges of the apex court, who received intimidating letters allegedly containing powdered substances over the past three days. Justice Baqir Ali Najfi of the Lahore High Court is also among those who received a threatening letter today, bringing the total count of affected judges in the Superior Judiciary to six.
The presence of arsenic, constituting 10% of the powder in the previously received letters, has been confirmed. The newly discovered missives, now linked to the CTD, have increased the tally of affected judges to ten in the Supreme Court, eight in the Islamabad High Court, and six in the Lahore High Court. Investigations by the Counter Terrorism Department regarding the correspondence are ongoing, with immediate actions initiated by Pakistan Post upon the receipt of letters by judges. In a directive issued for safety and security, postal staff have been instructed to provide masks and gloves. Moreover, Pakistan Post has been tasked with meticulously screening all incoming letters and parcels for precautionary measures.
Additionally, mail belonging to judges, diplomats, and other high-profile individuals will undergo specialized scrutiny, while postal staff are advised to remain vigilant during the handling and transmission of mail. The continuity of receiving suspicious correspondence by judges reflects a concerning pattern, as evidenced by the recent incident involving Justice Ali Baqir Najfi of the Lahore High Court. With six judges of the Lahore High Court affected thus far, confirmation has been made regarding the receipt of threatening letters by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar of the Supreme Court. According to sources within the Supreme Court, six judges, including Chief Justice Pakistan, are now known to have received letters containing powdered substances, as per the details provided by the FIR.
