ISLAMABAD: To finalize six names for Joint Investigation Team (JIT), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) – earlier directed to compile a list of 18-grade or above officers – submitted the list of the officers’ names to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday (today), ARY News reported.
A three-member special bench of Supreme Court which was formed to ensure implementation of Panamagate verdict and monitor the JIT’s operations resumed the hearing after a day.
Recently appointed acting governor of SBP, Riaz Riazuddin, and the Chairman SECP, Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi appeared before the court and submitted the lists comprising the names of 18-grade or above officers on direction of the top court.
The bench, headed by Justice Afzal Khan, expressed resentment on leaking of the names before the court proceeding.
Giving remarks on rejection of candidates nominated by SECP and SBP, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan said it has been pointed out that the names were leaked to media outlets before submission to the apex court.
“This became the prime factor to discard the names suggested by two state institutions”, Justice Ahsan added while declaring the institutions were failed to maintain the secrecy.
Joining in remarks, Justice Afzal Khan asked the head of two institutions that how the names were leaked before the court proceeding.
Urging to keep secrecy during court proceedings, Justice Azmat Saeed held the heads of institutions responsible for the leak while stating that a report has been received suggesting affiliations of the proposed officers with political parties.
While Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan was reportedly heard stating that who would be ultimate beneficiary of a controversial committee.
Justice Khan also expressed his resentment over the way Panamagate verdict is being portrayed by the politicians and media outlets. “The court will deliver justice regardless what people say”, he added.
Moreover, the bench said that the JIT would be formed today (Friday) comprising the members from Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Security & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI).
It is pertinent to mention that the apex court earlier had rejected the nominees of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Security & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for the JIT, formed to probe money trail and offshore properties of the Sharif family.
The apex court then ruled that no head of state institution can appoint any nominee for the proposed JIT by summoning Governor State Bank and Chairman SECP.
