ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has declared transferring the investigation
officer in NICL Scandal as interference in court’s proceedings and has issued
contempt of court notice to DG FIA, Malik Muhammad Iqbal who is responsible for
this transfer.
A 3-member bench of SC presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP)
Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed the hearing of the case Tuesday.
During the hearing of the case CJP asked DG FIA as to how he dared to
interfere in the court’s proceedings. “Due to this act on your part the process
of administration of justice has been interrupted. You have created problems for
the court. Therefore, court will deal with you”, CJP said.
“You are also trying to affect Hajj corruption case. You will have to be
accountable before the court. Former Investigation Officer Zafar Qureshi was
conducting investigation against Moonis Elahi and some other influentials in
NICL scam and he was transferred to influence the investigation.”, CJP observed.
Former investigation officer Zafar Qureshi told the court letter was written
to DG FIA that the court was hearing the case and further investigation was
under way and interim challan had not been issued in this case so far. On the
other side secretary establishment issued his transfer orders and he was
separated from the case, he told.
CJP remarked “ Zafar Qureshi is needed no more after the challan has been
presented in the court. We are interested that looted public wealth is returned.
Zafar Qureshi carried out a successful investigation and recovered Rs 1.74
billion. He was transferred to Police Foundation to mount more political
pressure on the case and block its further progress”.
DG FIA Malik Iqbal said notification of his transfer was issued and he had
not recommended for it. “You should submit affidavit in this regard”, Justice
Sair Ali said.
“Ever since he has come he is creating hurdles. As to why Zafar Qureshi was
transferred, it was beyond comprehension. On the letter of interior ministry,
notification on transfer was issued on April, 18. This notification was issued
on the letter of DG FIA as he had said investigation officer had filed inquiry
report in the court and had presented challan in the court. Interim challan does
not mean that investigation of the case has been completed. Malik Iqbal has
impeded court’s proceedings by sending his transfer letter. This procedure has
been adopted in Hajj corruption case. Court has issued notice to DG FIA under
article 204 of the constitution”, CJP said.
S.M Zafar counsel for Chaudhry Brothers said difficulties are being faced
during the proceedings in subordinate courts.
“Proceedings will take place as per law and every thing will be clear on May,
16”, CJP said. Online
