Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday has provided another opportunity to
the government for submitting the prime minister’s reply in Hussain
Asghar reinstatement and secretary establishment removal cases.
Six-member bench of apex court comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar
Muhammad Chaudhry , justice Mian Shakirullah Jan , Justice Mehmood
Akhtar Shahid Siddiqui, Justice Tariq Parvaiz, Justice khilji Arif
Hussain and Justice Amir Hani Muslim heard Suo moto notice taken on
mismanagement and corruption during Hajj operation of last year.
During the course of hearing Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP)
justice (retd) Maulvi Anwarul Haq informed the court that recently
restored key probe officer in Hajj corruption scam has gone missing.
The Attorney General informed the court after that recently restored Director FIA, Hussain Asghar, is not in contact and none has any knowledge that currently where he can be located. He said that his cell phone is also not responding since July 26.
The Attorney General informed the court after that recently restored Director FIA, Hussain Asghar, is not in contact and none has any knowledge that currently where he can be located. He said that his cell phone is also not responding since July 26.
He added that Hussain Asghar, who was performing duty as IG of
Gilgit Baltistan, he moved from Gilgit to Skardu but after that he is
missing.
Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, a member of SC bench, expressed his
amazement over disappearance of Hussain Asghar while saying in his
remarks that it is very strange to hear that an officer of this high
profile has gone missing and no one is aware of that.
The Attorney General failed to present a written report over his
communication with the Prime Minister regarding court’s Wednesday’s
instructions but he informed the court that the PM has been conveyed
the message and updated about the details.
AG said that he had informed the PM about all legal and
constitutional provisions, adding that PM has said that he would
convene another meeting with AG and would reply so court may adjourn
the hearing of the case till Monday.
The Chief Justice said in his remarks that the court does not doubt
intention of the government over restoration of Hussain Asghar on Hajj
corruption scam’s probe but this game of hide and seek is not good.
The Chief Justice added that the court should be informed that what
is that hurdle between handing over charge to Hussain Asghar to
continue probe of Hajj corruption scam.
CJP said that six parliamentarians pointed out about mass corruption
in Hajj and this scam defamed country’s name, adding that the
influential person’s are involved in this 40.6 million scam and 25
thousand Hujjaj suffered because of mismanagement in hajj arrangements.
The DG FIA said that he on oath informs the court that there is no
pressure on them regarding handing over charge to Hussain Asghar and as
soon as he will be available the charge will be handed over to him and
his working team also would be appointed with him for investigation of
the Hajj scam. DG stated that he would implement the court orders.
The Chief Justice said in his remarks the government is playing a
hide and seek game regarding Hussain Asghar. How strange it is that an
officer of IG level could not be contacted, said the CJP.
Justie Khilji Arif Hassan remarked it was strange that such a high official was not being contacted, and all the agencies including FIA were looking for him.
The attorney general said the prime minister have been apprised of all the details of the case. He also prayed for more time until Monday for the restoration of secretary establishment.
Justie Khilji Arif Hassan remarked it was strange that such a high official was not being contacted, and all the agencies including FIA were looking for him.
The attorney general said the prime minister have been apprised of all the details of the case. He also prayed for more time until Monday for the restoration of secretary establishment.
Meanwhile chief Justice remarked that AG should inform to PM that it
is not a routine order of the court, adding that how long court would
wait if reply does not come, court would pass an order on the issue.
CJP said that people have trust on the court and we are here for
provision of justice to masses, adding that in vacations we have heard
the cases and are managing the availability of the benches.
CJP said that court would pass order and AG should tell competent
authority that we know the jurisdiction of the court ,adding that every
employee approaches to the court after suspension or removal and
constitution permits declaring illegal appointments null and void.
Court directed DG FIA that if he faces any hurdle in imlemetation of
court order he should immidiatly inform to the registrar of SC.
CJP remaked that “officials should stand with the constitution court would stand with them.”
CJP remaked that “officials should stand with the constitution court would stand with them.”
The apex court rejected the AG appeal of awarding one more day to
the attorney general to inform the court regarding the cases. Later on
court adjourned the hearing of case till today (Friday). SANA
