SC irked over AGP remarks in Justice Isa’s petition

By Muhammad YaseenPublished On 01 Jan 2023

ISLAMABAD: Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Anwar Mansoor Khan’s unwarranted statement wherein he alleged that some bench members were privy in drafting Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s petition against the presidential reference has irked the Supreme Court.

The 10-judge full court led by Justice Umar Ata Bandial noted on Wednesday that if the AGP fails to produce any evidence supporting his statements then he should tender a written apology coming Monday.

AGP questions Justice Isa’s stance

“Do you know this is lack of preparation,” Justice Bandial said. “Where it is required that the petitioner judge should disclose his family assets in his wealth statement,” he questions adding that the AGP was wasting the court’s time.

Justice Bandial further inquired about any misconduct by Justice Isa.

“Instead of inquiring from owners of properties why did you come up straight away against petitioner judge,” he said.

It is learned that Pakistan Bar Council has decided to file a contempt petition against the AGP and Law Minister Dr. Farogh Naseem over his unjustified statement.

Family subjected to covert surveillance: Justice Isa

Earlier on Monday, Justice Isa in his written synopsis submitted in the apex court had contended that the information gathered against him and his family to file a presidential reference was collected through “covert surveillance” by using “unlawful means”.

“Surveillance of a judge and his family is not envisaged under this law, therefore, all those who did so are now liable for criminal prosecution which this court may be graciously pleased to order,” said the SC judge.

He had requested the apex court to quash the reference along with the proceedings before the Supreme Judicial Council.

A day earlier, AGP Khan, who is representing the federal government in Justice Isa’s case, had asked if seeking information on “undisclosed wealth” amounts to surveillance.

“What is surveillance and whether seeking information of undisclosed wealth amounts to surveillance,” said the AGP in his written formulations submitted the top court.