District and sessions court judge Humayun Dilawar, who convicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case, has been transferred to the Islamabad High Court after receiving life threats.
Humayun Dilawar wrote a letter to IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on his return from UK and informed him of facing severe security threats.
The judge expressed concern over an unpleasant incident in court on behalf of the protesters. The judge said he also faced protests and threats while training in the UK.
PTI workers staged a protest against Humayun Dilawar and the police prevented protesters from reaching the judge. The court ordered the transfer of the judicial officer to the IHC due to security concerns and threats.
Judge Humayun Dilawar sent the application to the Registrar IHC on August 17 and requested for transfer. He said a social media campaign was launched against him after the case verdict.
He said threats were received from different people from all over the world. He requested to be transferred to the Special Courts or the High Court.
Soon after, Judge Humayun Dilawar was demoted and declared Officer on Special Duty (O.S.D) on the orders of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
A notification has been issued by the IHC Additional Registrar on instruction of Chief Justice Aamir Farooq. Judge Humayun Dilawar has been asked to report to IHC.
IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the PTI chief’s appeal challenging the Toshakhana verdict. During the hearing, the judge observed that the trial court which convicted the former prime minister “did wrong”. The case verdict will be announced on August 28.
The Supreme Court heard a petition challenging IHC’s decision to remand the case back to the judge who had convicted him, and observed that the trial court hastened the Toshakhana’s verdict.