The Interior Ministry has reacted strongly to the recent attack on former chief justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa in London and vowed to cancel the passports and identity cards of the attackers.
The announcement made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi came just hours after supporters of a Pakistan-based political party held a protest against the former top judge outside Middle Temple in London, where he was being honored as a “bencher” – a prestigious position within the British legal community.
The protestors also obstructed the vehicle Isa was travelling in – which belonged to the Pakistan High Commission – and started shouting slogans. They accused the former judge of unfairly targeting their political party during his time as the chief justice. Prominent among the protestors were Zulfi Bukhari and former member of National Assembly Maleeka Bokhari. They led the demonstration and demanded his accountability, besides condemning his recognition by the Middle Temple. British lawyer Barrister Mark McDonald also joined the protest.
In response to the attack, Mohsin Naqvi directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify those involved in the incident using footage from the event. Pakistan would not tolerate any attack on its representatives abroad, he said, adding that such actions did not only harm individuals but also bring shame to Pakistan internationally. He said that after identification, the case of attackers would be forwarded to the Cabinet Division for approval. The interior minister also announced registering cases against the attackers in the country and initiating legal action to hold them accountable under Pakistani laws.
Mohsin Naqvi also came down hard on the Pakistan High Commission in London, as he questioned why the former top judge was not provided with sufficient security despite the fact that he had been receiving threats. He assured the public that the government was fully committed to protecting its representatives abroad and would work closely with British authorities to address the security lapse.
Meanwhile, many Pakistanis are outraged by the incident, seeing it as a breach of decorum and respect. Observers in both Pakistan and Britain described the attack as “disturbing” and “disrespectful”, with critics saying the protestors crossed the line in their treatment of a prominent figure from Pakistan’s judiciary.
It may be mentioned here that Isa’s induction as a bencher at the Middle Temple is a great achievement for Pakistan, especially since Isa is the first Pakistani judge to hold this honor. The Middle Temple, where Isa once studied, is a historic institution that has trained numerous lawyers, including Isa’s own father. Many see his recognition as a proud moment for Pakistan’s legal community.