News
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
SC concerned over missing reports on Mehran, Habib bank scams* Court rejects AGP’s suggestion to consult the then law secretary, who is currently apex court judge
By Hasnaat Malik
ISLAMABAD: A three-member Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and comprising Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Pervaiz, hearing Air Marshal (r) Asghar Khan’s petition regarding disbursement of funds among politicians by the ISI, on Monday expressed grave concern over the missing reports of Mehran and Habib Bank commissions.
Attorney General of Pakistan Ifran Qadir suggested the court to consult the then law secretary – apex court judge Justice Mian Saqib Nisar – regarding the matter, as he would have information regarding the case.
The court, however, rejected the recommendation and said that Justice Nisar was an apex court judge, hence he could not be questioned in this regard. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain said that it was the right of the nation to know the truth. Justice Tariq Parvez said they wanted people to be aware of facts.
During the hearing, the AGP informed the court that despite serious efforts, the reports were not available at the ministries of interior and law and justice. The CJP told him to give that in writing. He directed to hold meetings with the interior and law and justice secretaries about the missing reports.
Meanwhile, the AGP submitted an Intelligence Bureau classified report regarding utilisation of Rs 270 million, allegedly withdrawn by the PPP government from the IB’s secret funds, to topple the Punjab government in 2009.
After going through the report, the court directed the AGP to inform it, after consulting the IB DG, about the names of the politicians who were given the amount, besides mentioning the amount itself. It ruled that such details would be kept confidential.
Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearing until tomorrow (Wednesday) after the AGP sought some time for gathering information about unavailability of the Mehran and Habib banks inquiry commission reports.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk