In a recent hearing at the Multan High Court, Justice Asim Hafeez took up a petition filed by Dania Shah and her current husband, Hakeem Shahzad Ahmed, seeking security due to threats against their lives. Despite recommendations from relevant authorities, the couple has yet to receive the protection they urgently require. The hearing brought attention to the delays in ensuring their safety, prompting the court to demand an official response from the local authorities by September 17.
Background of the Case
Dania Shah, previously married to renowned religious scholar and television personality Amir Liaquat Hussain, found herself at the center of media attention following his sudden passing. After completing her period of Iddat—a waiting period for Muslim widows before remarrying—Dania married Hakeem Shahzad Ahmed. The couple currently resides in a small suburban area near Shujaabad, a city in the Multan district. Despite trying to move forward with their lives, they have been plagued by threats, prompting them to seek legal protection.
The petition, filed in the Multan High Court, outlines the escalating danger that the couple faces. According to Dania Shah and her husband, Shahzad, they have received repeated threats from unidentified individuals who demand that Shahzad divorce Dania immediately. The threats have intensified, with warnings that Shahzad will be shot if he fails to comply. These alarming circumstances led the couple to turn to the court, hoping for intervention to ensure their safety.
The Legal Battle for Security
During the hearing, Dania Shah’s lawyer expressed frustration over the lack of action from the authorities. The petition highlights that various institutions, including law enforcement agencies, have reviewed the case and submitted reports acknowledging the severity of the threats against the couple. These reports also recommended that security be provided to them. However, despite these recommendations, the necessary protection has not yet been arranged.
The petitioner emphasized that the couple had reached out to the Home Secretary of Punjab, requesting security to shield them from the imminent danger they face. In a gesture of self-reliance, they even offered to bear the expenses of the security detail themselves. Despite these efforts, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, leaving the couple in a vulnerable position.
The petition also shed light on the psychological toll that the threats have taken on both Dania Shah and Hakeem Shahzad. Living under constant fear for their lives, they have become prisoners in their own home, unable to move freely or live without anxiety about what might happen next. Their lawyer argued that their fundamental rights to life and security, as guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan, were being violated due to the inaction of the authorities.
The Role of Amir Liaquat Hussain’s Legacy
Dania Shah’s previous marriage to Amir Liaquat Hussain has added a layer of complexity to the case. As a well-known public figure, Hussain’s life and relationships were often the subject of media scrutiny. His sudden death left many unanswered questions, and after his passing, Dania found herself in the spotlight once again, this time due to her remarriage to Hakeem Shahzad.
This attention may have contributed to the threats they are currently facing. Shahzad has been specifically targeted, with the threats demanding that he divorce Dania. Whether these threats are motivated by personal vendettas, religious beliefs, or societal pressure remains unclear, but what is evident is the growing danger to their lives.
Court’s Response and Future Proceedings
During the hearing, Justice Asim Hafeez of the Multan High Court expressed concern over the lack of security provided to the couple. He took note of the fact that several institutions had already written reports recommending that protection be granted to Dania Shah and Hakeem Shahzad, yet no action had been taken to implement these recommendations.
Justice Hafeez asked the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Police Officer (CPO) of Multan to appear before the court on September 17 with a detailed response. This response is expected to address why security has not been provided and what steps will be taken to ensure the couple’s safety moving forward. The court also sought clarity on whether the necessary legal and administrative procedures have been followed by the authorities handling the case.
The judge’s call for accountability reflects the court’s intention to resolve the issue promptly. The couple’s lawyer expressed hope that this judicial intervention will finally compel the authorities to take the necessary steps to protect Dania Shah and Hakeem Shahzad from further harm.
The Broader Implications
This case brings to light the broader issue of security for individuals facing threats in Pakistan, especially those who have been in the public eye. Whether due to family disputes, personal grudges, or other social factors, many individuals like Dania Shah and her husband find themselves in precarious situations, where threats to their safety are not adequately addressed by law enforcement or local authorities.
The case also raises questions about the responsibilities of the state in protecting citizens who are vulnerable to such threats. The inability to provide security, even after official reports have been submitted recommending it, points to inefficiencies in the system that can have potentially life-threatening consequences.
As the court awaits a response from the authorities, Dania Shah and her husband continue to live under the shadow of danger. The upcoming hearing on September 17 will be crucial in determining whether the state will fulfill its duty to protect the couple and uphold their constitutional right to life and security.
The Multan High Court’s involvement in Dania Shah and Hakeem Shahzad’s plea for security marks a critical step in addressing their ongoing threats. As they await the court’s ruling, the couple hopes that the authorities will finally provide the protection they need. With the court calling for answers from the Deputy Commissioner and CPO Multan, the couple and the public at large look to the upcoming hearing for resolution. Whether this legal battle will result in a safer environment for Dania Shah and her husband remains to be seen, but the court’s intervention signals a positive step towards securing justice.
