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PML-N Leaders Criticize Supreme Court’s Security Request for Retired Judges
Khawaja Saad Rafique & Khawaja Asif criticize SC’s request for police security for retired judges & widows, calling it elitist & unjust.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-09-13
PML-N Leaders Criticize Supreme Court’s Security Request for Retired Judges

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique have strongly criticized the Supreme Court’s recent request to the Interior Ministry for providing police security to retired judges and widows of deceased judges.

Two days ago, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, with approval from Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, wrote to the Interior Ministry recommending that each retired judge be assigned three police personnel for security. The letter further stated that widows of deceased judges should also receive the same security detail, supervised by the relevant district police officer (DPO).

Saad Rafique terms move ‘elitist’
Reacting to the development, Khawaja Saad Rafique posted a copy of the letter on social media, calling the order contrary to justice and equality.

“If this letter is true, then this order of the Supreme Court is against the requirements of justice, equality, and protection of the common man,” he wrote.

The former federal minister lamented the growing burden on ordinary citizens:
“The backs of Pakistanis have become bent carrying the endless desires and privileges of politicians, generals, and judges. This poor state cannot sustain the arrogance of the country’s elite any longer. This cycle must stop somewhere.”

Khawaja Asif highlights double standards
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif responded to Rafique’s post, saying politicians face accountability and hardships, while judges continue to enjoy privileges even after retirement.

“We politicians’ bad days also come, but the meters of judges remain active and they open new shops after retirement,” he said.

Asif pointed out that members of parliament live modestly compared to judges:
“We spend our lives in two rooms of the Parliament Lodges, which have not been renovated at government expense for 25 years. Our salaries have increased from Rs300,000 to Rs550,000, and even that the media scrutinizes — while judges’ demands are never questioned.”

The defense minister further criticized the judiciary’s security arrangements:
“Our security is zero, but if tanks are taken for the judges’ security, they will still ask for more.”

Growing debate over privileges
The exchange highlights growing political discontent over perceived judicial privileges, particularly at a time when Pakistan is grappling with economic and security challenges. The debate also underscores broader tensions between institutions regarding accountability, transparency, and equality in state resources.

 
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