CJP disappointed with cabinet’s failure in forming policy in Asghar Khan case

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, on Friday, lashed out at the outgoing federal cabinet for not devising any course of action, before completion of its term, to proceed against the accused army officer in Asghar Khan Case.

A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice was hearing the case. “Before retreating from office, federal cabinet merely constituted a sub-committee instead of carving out a plan to proceed in the case,” Chief Justice remarked.

Attorney General (AG) of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali was not present during the hearing; on his behalf deputy Attorney General informed the bench that federal cabinet has taken a positive decision on the matter and Attorney General will present himself to enlighten the bench about the decision.

The court ordered AG to present before the court tomorrow (Saturday).

READ MORE: SC expresses displeasure over lack of progress in Asghar Khan case

Chief Justice displeased with the AG’s absence remarked that such a crucial case has been underway and Attorney General doesn’t seem to care. “Is this the performance of Attorney General Office? CJP angrily asked.

Irked by cabinet’s negligence in the case, CJP said, “For several years, Asghar Khan Case has been in pending. Is a cabinet supposed to work like this?”

Case Background:

Air Marshal (retd) Asghar Khan wrote a letter to the then chief justice of Pakistan Nasim Hassan Shah in 1996, in which he alleged that the then president Ghulam Ishaq Khan, then army chief General Mirza Aslam Beg, then ISI director general Lt Gen Asad Durrani as well as then owner of now defunct Mehran Bank Younis Habib had distributed Rs 140 million among several politicians to manipulate the 1990 polls to defeat Benazir Bhutto.

After the passage of more than a decade following the matter having brought to the apex court, it gave a 141-page landmark verdict on October 19, 2012 declaring that 1990 elections were rigged.

It ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the matter and if evidence was found against anyone, action should be taken against them.

The court held that there was sufficient evidence to suggest that the 1990 election was rigged and that a political cell maintained by the then president Ghulam Ishaq Khan at Presidency supported formation of the IJI to stop a victory of the PPP.

It found Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Baig and Durrani guilty of violating the constitution.