According to LHC, it is illegal to deny police protection based on a DIC report.

In a historic decision, Justice Amjad Rafiq of the Lahore High Court ruled that the District Intelligence Committee’s (DIC) decision to deny a citizen security was invalid.

In a 10-page written ruling on the petition submitted by citizen Saif Ali, Justice Amjad Rafiq said that the police have the last say and that the DIC’s report is just recommended.

The police have complete authority to protect any person who faces life-threatening situations, the court noted. According to the Constitution, the state is required to take all reasonable steps to defend its inhabitants at all costs.
The court wrote: “Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity,” using a passage from the Holy Quran.

The petitioner claims that he is the key witness in the murder case of his sister and brother-in-law and that the victim’s family has been threatening to kill him on a regular basis.

The Inspector General of Punjab stated that the DIC had recommended the petitioner employ two private security guards, while the police had advised him to restrict his travels.

The court pointed out that the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, officials, and other important individuals are covered by the 16 categories of police protection outlined in the Home Department Policy 2018. On the basis of reliable intelligence reports, the IG Police may, however, provide police protection to any person for a maximum of 30 days in accordance with policy.

The ruling went on to say that the Police Order 2002 makes it quite evident that police officers have a responsibility to safeguard citizens’ lives and property. In a similar vein, witnesses in FIR cases may receive security under the Punjab Witness Protection Act 2018. The court underlined that protecting a citizen’s life is a moral, legal, and constitutional duty.

The court concluded that any citizen who faces life threats has the right to police security, deeming the DIC’s decision to refuse police protection unwarranted.

Ultimately, the court overturned the DIC’s ruling and ordered the IG Punjab to give the petitioner immediate police protection.