ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has taken notice of making secretary
establishment as OSD saying administration is degrading honest officers
to cover up its corruption and financial irregularities but the court
will provide every possible protection to honest officers.
A
5-member bench of SC presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP)
Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took up Hajj scandal case for hearing
Wednesday.
Taking notice of making secretary establishment as
OSD court asked Attorney General (AG) to meet Prime Minister and
present before it government stance in writing.
CJP said “we
acknowledge Prime Minister powers for transferring officers. We have
repeatedly said this earlier, however, it is incumbent on every
institution to comply with court’s orders under article 5 and 190 of
the constitution. When court’s order is announced then all the
institutions are duty bound to implement it. It is evident from
notification about restoration of Hussain Asghar that it has been
issued under article 190 of the constitution”.
CJP further
remarked “ attempt has been made to provoke court by making Sohail
Ahmad as OSD.. This step has not given any good message to honest
officers and people. Doubtlessly the powers to transfer of officers
rested with administration but in the prevailing situation honest
officers could not be left at the mercy of administration. Court will
protect honest officers”.
CJP further observed “administration
is degrading honest officers to cover up its corruption and corrupt
practices. Transfers upon transfers are being made. We will provide
every possible protection to honest officer Attempt has been made to
make court’s orders ineffective by making Sohail Ahmad OSD. It is
feared that violation of constitution may provoke chaos in the country.
We can issue orders but we first of all want to become aware of reply
from chief executive”,.
AG again appeared in the court after
interval and told that Prime Minister was in Lahore. He is coming to
Islamabad and cabinet is also meeting today. No contact could be made
with the prime minister However principal secretary to Prime Minister
has been informed to convey the message to prime minister, he further
told.
CJP observed “we understand Prime Minister is fully aware
of the constitution and he has full perception about the importance of
the court’s orders. Despite it he removed Sohail Ahmad soon after he
implemented court’s orders. Giving more time we however, adjourn the
hearing till today. Otherwise we could issue orders”.
CJP asked
AG “ you should meet the prime minister personally and inform him about
the repercussions if the court’s orders were not implemented. Prime
Minster be asked to reappoint Sohail Ahmad as secretary establishment
and make it clear upon him that what will be the after effects in case
of non appointment of Sohail Ahmad as secretary establishment.
On
the other hand DG FIA Tehseen Anwar appeared in the court in Hajj
corruption case and assured the court that Hussain Asghar along with
his team would be again assign the investigation into Hajj Corruption
scandal. Letter has been written to government of Gilgit, Baltistan and
he would be given charge as soon as he would reach Islamabad.
Reprimanding
him for not appearing besides being summoned by the court, CJP said as
to why he did not turn up when the court summoned him. “You are senior
officer therefore, you should have appeared in the court. The court be
informed today about the assumption of charge b y Hussain Asghar”, CJP
said. The hearing of the case has been adjourned till today (Thursday). Online
