CJP, Saad Rafique exchange ‘bitter’ words

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar and former railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafique had an exchange of heated words during hearing of a case related to financial losses incurred by the ministry during tenure of the previous government.

Rafique initiating his arguments during the proceedings said: “The justice is not being meted out. I didn’t come here to be insulted.” To which, the CJP replied: “No one is insulting you. Come here while keeping your pride at home.”

The top judge continued, “Why is this rage all about? Just answer what you are being asked.”

Did you have a pre-decided thought to commit contempt of court, the CJP questioned. “I came here to get a pat on my back [for my services to the railways], but I get scolded instead,” the former PML-N minister replied.

Giving his input to the exchange,  Justice Ijazul Hassan, who was also in the bench, asked Saad Rafique to submit his response and leave it to the court whether it gives him a pat on the back or not.

The minister hastened to add in his next reply that how could he submit a reply on a 1000-page audit report. “I am no accounts officer,” he contended.

The chief justice asked the former minister to hire services of a lawyer to follow the court orders.

He asked the court to inform him whether the lengthy report mentioned his involvement in any corruption. Rafique continued to say that he did his best to improve the railways.

The PML-N leader was given a month in the end of the hearing to submit his reply.

On April 7, the top judge had taken a suo motu notice of alleged Rs60 billion corruption in the Pakistan Railways. The top judge had also summoned railways minister, secretary and board members along with the audit report.

A week later, the apex court had ordered the complete audit of Pakistan Railways during the case hearing.

During the case’s hearing on April 28, the Supreme Court had sought a report on the losses incurred by Pakistan Railways.