ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday appointed two court advisers for proceedings under Article 62 of the Constitution against Minister for Science and Technology, Azam Khan Swati in IGP Islamabad transfer case.
The apex court has appointed Advocate Khalid Javed Khan and Faisal Siddqui as assistant to carry out the proceedings against the minister.
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A bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar was hearing a suo motu case pertaining to the transfer of IGP Islamabad on the alleged intervention of Swati and his son.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan had, earlier, observed that Swati misused his powers seeking an explanation from him under Article 62 (1)(f), which sets the precondition for a public office holder to be “sadiq and ameen” (truthful and honest).
During the hearing, a counsel for Swati contended that action under Article 62 (1) (f) could not be taken against his client on the basis of the JIT report. There is no example of such proceedings on the basis of a JIT report, he said, adding that the investigation report was full of allegation.
Justice Nisar added, “Why don’t we make an example out of Swati. Now, the court will conduct his trial under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution.”
The chief justice remarked that Swati should resign by showing morality after the JIT report, which had claimed that the minister misused his powers and he was accorded special treatment.
Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Amanullah Kinzani also appeared before the court from Swati’s side. He requested the court to not initiate proceedings against the minister under Article 62.
He further said that the accused has learnt from it, to which, the CJP remarked, “There will be clear understanding when there is punishment”.
The attorney general also informed the court that laws of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) were not applicable to the minister in this case.
The chief justice also refused to take funds for dams from the accused minister.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till December 24.
SC Takes Suo Motu Notice
The chief justice taken suo motu notice of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad’s abrupt transfer last month. The IGP was transferred on October 27 after he allegedly rejected to take action on a complaint by the son of minister, regarding a dispute over purported encroachment with a family at their farmhouse.
The apex court had formed a JIT to probe allegations of misuse of authority, misconduct and encroachment against the minister.
The Supreme Court had taken notice of the IGP’s transfer and suspended the the order but had to withdraw its order after he excused himself from performing duties as Islamabad IGP.
