Supreme Court of Pakistan has sought the report of
FIA which was presented before the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce
meeting in which FIA disclosed that the looted amount in NICL scam was
transferred to many other accounts.
A three member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice
Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and comprising Justice Ghulam Rabbani and
Justice Sair Ali heard the contempt of the court case against Director
General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Malik Muhammad Iqbal on
Wednesday.
SC granted two days respite to the FIA Director General Malik Iqbal
in contempt of court case saying if he reinstates the investigation
officer Zafar Qureshi in National Insurance Corporation Limited (NICL)
scandal case, then he could be given relaxation in the contempt of the
court proceedings.
Chief Justice remarked that DG FIA has undermined the court
authority of the court, adding that it is binding on him to implement
on the court directions and no relaxation would be extended to such
person. “DG is trying to nullify the court” CJ added.
Counsel appearing before the court on behalf of DG FIA, Makhdoom Ali
Khan Advocate told the court that his client has repeatedly written to
the government to reinstate Zafar Qureshi and even a summary has been
finalized in this regard by Establishment Division but the approving
authority is not available at Capital city to approve the summary.
CJ observed that the approving authority is at Islamabad because the
meeting of defence committee of cabinet has been convened on Wednesday
so that authority may be here.
Makhdoom Ali Khan said that CJ is more informed person, he requested
the court to grant him one week time but the court rejected his
request. Makhddom repeatedly sought court mercy on contempt matter,
adding that DG is to retire within two months.
Chief Justice said that FIA has told the Parliamentary committee
looted money in NICL scandal has also been transferred to other people
account but Supreme Court has been kept unaware of this information.
Court directed to summon FIA Karachi Director Asif Muazzam Jaah in next
hearing who didn’t share this information with court.
Chief Justice said it is good sign that Standing Committees have
become so empowered that they can get back nation’s looted money,
adding that the burden of courts would be reduced if the standing
committees have started functioning. He said that all looted money
would be recovered on any cost from the people who had looted the
national exchequer.
Justice Sair remarked that even the murderer has the right that
court listen his view point but DG FIA has murdered the court orders.
He said the direct meaning of DG letter written to the Secretary
Establishment is the transfer of the investigation officer Zafar
Qureshi.
Justice Sair asked those lawyers who support the DG FIA, should
assist the court to take suitable action against him because his
attitude demands action against him. He said if DG FIA can show
substantial results in two days then he can recommend him to other
members of the bench.
Chief Justice remarked that court had granted him time earlier to
correct his mistakes but he took no sufficient action, adding that all
the investigation officers had been transferred and DG has created
hurdles in investigations rather assisting court in this case.
Chief Justice asked the DG FIA Malik Iqbal to inform the government
that if court takes action against him, his all actions would be
undone. Chief Justice said that court would proceed against DG
according to the law; if law permitted than court will prosecute him
otherwise he would get release.
He said that there is difference between mercy and justice. DG has
admitted the ignorance so there is no need to indict him CJ said.
Meanwhile DG FIA said that he had never thought about contempt of
the court, adding that he always respect the court orders, court may
leave him.
Justice Sair Ali said addressing the DG FIA that you should come out
of world of dreams. Later court adjourned the case till tomorrow
(Friday). SANA
