A police team comprising experts has launched a thorough probe to collect facts and ascertain the chemical nature of the powdery substance after eight judges of Islamabad High Court (IHC) received letters containing suspected anthrax powder along with a threatening message. According to reports, a staffer of a judge accidentally dropped the envelope containing the suspicious powdery substance and later felt extreme irritation in eyes and burns on skin around his lips.
The unfortunate incident assumed gravity and relevance in the backdrop of a letter written by six judges of the Islamabad High Court to the Supreme Judicial Council about alleged interference of the executive in the working of the judiciary. Initially, the Government announced a judicial inquiry into the allegations but now the Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken suo motu notice of the development. In this background, some circles allege that the anthrax-laden letters were addressed to the judges to pressurize them to withdraw their letter. Only investigations would reveal facts and motives but it is also highly likely that someone did the mischief to create misunderstanding between the two pillars of the state and take political advantage of the situation. It would, therefore, be in the fitness of things if the probe into this incident of bio-terrorism is completed at a fast pace and the issue taken to its logical conclusion. However, concerns about safety and security of the judges are genuine and it is hoped that the authorities concerned would remain extra-vigilant and strengthen security for judges.
