Over dozen Pakistan judges, PM get threatening letters laced with 'toxic powder'

More than a dozen judges in Pakistan have received threatening letters, with some of them laced with toxic powder.

Dawn newspaper reported that 10 judges of high courts received suspicious letters on Friday, days after eight judges received letters, criticising the justice system of Pakistan.

Some of these letters were also addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

According to reports, letters had a suspicious white powder, which is believed to be toxic, and were sent to at least 17 top judges.

“Welcome to Bacillus anthracis!!!” were the words written in the letters, which also contained a photo of a human skull.

Bacillus anthracis is a bacterium that causes anthrax, a rare but serious infectious disease that affects people and animals.

Police said a lesser-known group called Tehreek-e-Namoos Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the suspicious letters.

Police officials in Islamabad and Lahore said the letters and their contents have been sent to forensic and security experts for investigation. The authorities have not yet confirmed what the white powder was.

The police have filed an FIR under terrorism charges and Section 507 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication or having taken precautions to conceal whence the threat.

On Friday, the office of the Director General Pakistan Post passed instructions to its staff on handling mail addressed to high-profile personalities, reported Dawn.

The office directed all postmasters general to circulate an alert to all offices countrywide to take due care and be vigilant while handling mail addressed to high-profile offices in the wake of the suspected letters being delivered to the higher judiciary.