In response to recent media reports, the spokesperson for the Supreme Court issued a clarification on Monday, stating that the body search rule for the families of judges at airports was neither formulated nor sought by the apex court. The clarification aimed to address misconceptions arising from a letter sent to the Secretary of Aviation and the Director-General of the Airport Security Force (ASF).
The statement revealed that the letter, dated 12th October, 2023, had surfaced in the media following the departure of Justice Qazi Faez Isa and his wife for Turkey during the Supreme Court’s winter vacations. The spokesperson emphasized the need for full disclosure and urged the release of the Supreme Court Registrar’s letter from 21st September, 2023, to provide context and correct any misunderstandings.
The Supreme Court’s clarification highlighted that the body search exemption rule was not established by the court, and neither was an exemption sought. The Registrar had reportedly identified an anomaly, noting that the spouses of retired Supreme Court judges were exempt from body searches, while those of serving judges were not.
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The letter to Aviation further criticized the resolution of this anomaly, stating that it lacked an explanation and raised concerns about the ASF and the Government of Pakistan’s indifference to potential security breaches. The spokesperson noted the timing of the letter’s public revelation, coinciding with Justice Isa’s departure from Pakistan, and emphasized that no body search exemption cards for spouses had been received.
In a noteworthy incident, on 16th December, 2023, Mrs. Isa voluntarily underwent a body search by a female ASF officer in a public cubicle at Islamabad Airport. The statement highlighted that neither an exemption was sought nor given in this instance. Additionally, Justice Isa declined the offer to use the VIP lounge and the luxury limousine, opting for standard airport procedures despite being offered VIP privileges.
The Supreme Court spokesperson concluded by affirming the court’s commitment to transparency and dispelling any misconceptions surrounding the issue. The incident underscores the importance of clear communication and adherence to established security protocols at airports.
