Azam Swati resigns as SC evokes disqualification debate

ISLAMABAD - Minister for Science and Technology, Azam Khan Swati finally tendered his resignation on Thursday amid an ongoing probe against him.

Swati met the premier and handed over his resignation amid a storm of allegations ranging from misuse of authority to falsely representing himself as a US citizen.

'The prime minister has accepted my resignation and I will defend my position without any authority,' Swati said.

I can not work under these conditions to uphold my moral authority, I've to resign. I eventualy prevailed & made PM to agree, he added.

The lawmaker is under the radar of supreme court as well after it took suo moto notice of the abrupt transfer of IGP Islamabad, Jan Muhammad.

The resignation came a day after the apex court appointed two advisers for proceedings under Article 62 of the Constitution against him in IGP Islamabad transfer case.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/cjp-nisar-takes-notice-of-transfer-of-igp-islamabad/

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 allegations.

The Islamabad 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. On November 19, the JIT had held Swati and his employees responsible for the altercation that took place at his farmhouse and allegedly led to the transfer of police chief.

The Supreme Court had taken notice of the IGP’s transfer and suspended the order but had to withdraw its order after he excused himself from performing duties as Islamabad IGP.