Main judge of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday took suo motu notice of “perceived interference” by “individuals in authority” in investigation and prosecution of criminal has the meaning against government officials.
According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court, CJP took notification on recommendation of fellow high court judge on the “alleged interference in independence of prosecutor’s office in performance of his powers and duties for investigation and prosecution of pending criminal cases involving persons in authority in in government today.”
Press release added that such interference could affect the prosecution of cases, result in forgery or disappearance of certificate in courts or in possession of prosecutors and lead to transfers and publications of officers on key messages.
The press release states that such actions, along with with “media reports” about changes in accountability laws are likely to “undermine” the functioning of countries criminal justice system.
“This is tantamount to violating of fundamental rights affecting society as a whole and destroying [of] in confidence of in people in in rule of law and constitutionalism in country, this added.
It said that CJP head five people bench presiding over hearing for business tomorrow (Thursday) at 13:00.
The SC press release did not specify which “pending criminal questions” to which he referred. However, the Federal Investigation Agency currently pursuing money laundering case against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz.
These two were set to file charges, but the case has been delayed since February. FIA last week former director Mohammad Rizwan, who investigated the case, died of a heart attack.
Rizwan took a long vacation just before the formation of led by PMLN coalition government and was later transferred from office of FIA Lahore director last month. His name was also placed on flightless list.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan recently stated that CM Hamza “threatened” Rizwan, which caused him to be under “tremendous pressure” and died as result. imran has also claimed that FIA officials had either been transferred or threatened since new government enter into power.
Last week, there were reports that the FIA had withdrawn its case. against Shehbaz and Hamza. The FIA subsequently issued a press release denying these reports, stating “the case has not been withdrawn” and the legal proceedings are ongoing.
The supervisory body appointed new special prosecutor in case on Friday.
This also it is appropriate to mention here that key figures from the allied parties of in new government named for or complete dissolution of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or amendments to anti-corruption laws.
Last month, PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi called for dissolution of the institution and said it should be responsible. Meanwhile, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, last week, said changes in NAB laws were needed before moving on to next general elections.
On Tuesday, the cabinet agreed to the amendments, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to reform the NAB’s “draconian law” to end the with political victimization. Cabinet members were of in view that the “draconian law” of the NAB was used for political victimization and intimidation government officers and business community.
