CJP questions 'who is Hamza Shahbaz', asks him to shift residence if he feels so 'threatened'

Published
39

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, while hearing a suo moto case regarding blocking of roads outside the Lahore residence of PML-N lawmaker Hamza Shahbaz, questioned “who is Hamza Shahbaz, I don’t know anyone by this name,” adding that if someone feels so much threatened at a place then he should consider moving to someplace safer.

The chief justice expressed displeasure over non-compliance of his previous orders and asked Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Saeed why the barriers have not been removed yet. He ordered provincial authorities on Sunday to immediately remove all barriers outside the house of PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz.

The provincial secretary briefed the court that the gate on the main road had been removed, “now only barriers have been placed to provide security, as there is a threat to the life of Hamza Shahbaz”.

Upon this the CJP questioned, “who is Hamza Shahbaz, I don’t know anyone by this name.” He was briefed by the chief secretary that Hamza Shahbaz is an MNA and son of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

CJP Nisar then said that Hamza should appear before the court and brief about the threat. “If there is so much threat to their lives in living here, these people should shift their residence.”

The chief justice ordered the provincial chief secretary to ensure the removal of barriers, and said that he would personally visit the place in a private vehicle to see whether his orders have been implemented or not.

Opinion

Editorial

Muddled hierarchy
Updated 15 Nov, 2026

Muddled hierarchy

The jurisdiction of the two courts and a mechanism for settling disputes between them should be spelt out in law, not left to judges to fight over.
Growing crisis
15 Nov, 2026

Growing crisis

AN emergency can be judged by the speed with which it draws an effective response. The National Population Council’s...
Organised rackets
15 Nov, 2026

Organised rackets

ON the International Day against Transnational Organised Crime, observed today, Pakistan finds itself in a tight...
Referendum talk
Updated 14 Nov, 2026

Referendum talk

Unless the PPP is deliberately using Sindh as a bargaining chip, it should issue a clarification with a clear, consistent position on new administrative units, not one tailored to protect its home turf.
Mineral wealth
Updated 14 Nov, 2026

Mineral wealth

Minerals should not be presented as a solution to Pakistan’s long-term economic difficulties. The aim should be to build an industrial base rather than export raw materials.
Late diagnosis
14 Nov, 2026

Late diagnosis

AS we mark World Diabetes Day today, Pakistan faces a troubling question: how many people are living with diabetes...