Tag chief justice

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Azam Swati, who is under investigation over alleged misuse of authority, resigned from the post of federal minister for science and technology on Thursday.

Swati submitted his resignation during a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan. According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan has accepted the resignation and told Swati to present himself before the Supreme Court in the ongoing misconduct case.

In his resignation, Swati said he could not continue working under the present circumstances. “I am upholding my moral responsibility and submitting my resignation,” he added.

The Supreme Court has been hearing a case against Swati pertaining to the transfer of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad’s abrupt transfer last month. The IGP was transferred on October 27 after he allegedly refused to take action on a complaint filed by Swati’s son regarding a fight over purported encroachment with a family at their farmhouse.

The apex court had formed a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe allegations of misuse of authority, misconduct and encroachment against the minister. The JIT had held Swati and his guards responsible for the row over farmhouse land and the Supreme Court had observed that he had misused his powers as federal minister.

During the last hearing of the case on December 5, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had remarked that the top court will conduct Swati’s trial under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution, under which former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Tareen were disqualified.

Further, the US Department of Homeland Security handed over important documents to the JIT, probing Swati’s alleged misuse of authority, and stated that he falsely represented himself as an American national in the USA in 2000 and 2001.

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday, while hearing a case pertaining to the transfer of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad, remarked that the Supreme Court will conduct Federal Minister Azam Swati’s trial under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution.

A three-judge bench headed by the chief justice heard the suo motu case of the Islamabad IGP’s transfer.

On November 29, the chief justice had said Swati had misused his powers and sought a clarification from him under Article 62 (1)(f) of the Constitution. During the hearing on Tuesday, the top court had directed the Federal Minister for Science and Technology Senator Swati to submit a written reply by last night.

As the hearing went under way today, the chief justice remarked, “We have read Swati’s reply.”

Turning to the federal minister, Justice Nisar said, “You are a person of authority. Do people in power treat their subordinates like this? Do rulers send women to jail because of issues involving cows?”

The chief justice then turned to the Islamabad IGP and remarked, “You did not take any action on this matter?” To this, the Islamabad IGP responded, “Action was not taken as the case is being heard in court.”

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 case

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad’s abrupt transfer last month. The IGP was transferred on October 27 after he allegedly refused to take action on a complaint by the son of Federal Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati, regarding a fight 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 suo motu notice of the transfer of Islamabad IGP and suspended the transfer of Jan Muhammad but had to withdraw its order after he excused himself from performing duties as Islamabad IGP.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday, while hearing the case pertaining to the transfer of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad, directed Federal Minister Azam Swati to submit a written reply by tonight.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Senator Azam Swati and his lawyer appeared before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar as it heard the suo motu case of the Islamabad IGP’s transfer.

As the hearing went under way, the chief justice remarked, “You must have seen the joint investigation team’s (JIT) report.” Swati’s lawyer responded in the positive and sought time to submit a written reply.

The bench, however, directed the federal minister to submit his reply in court by tonight.

The hearing of the case was then adjourned till tomorrow (December 5).
The case

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad’s abrupt transfer last month. The IGP was transferred on October 27 after he allegedly refused to take action on a complaint by the son of Federal Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati, regarding a fight 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 suo motu notice of the transfer of Islamabad IGP and suspended the transfer of Jan Muhammad but had to withdraw its order after he excused himself from performing duties as Islamabad IGP.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrives at the Supreme Court. Photo: Geo News screengrab

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived at the Supreme Court on Tuesday in connection to a case concerning allotment of Auqaf property attached to the shrine of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masud Ganj Shakar in Pakpattan.

The case, dating back to 1985, involves illegal allotment of Auqaf Department’s land in Pakpattan to an individual, Dewan Ghulam Qutab, in violation of a Lahore High Court order.

Nawaz was the chief minister of Punjab province when the land belonging to the Auqaf department was transferred.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar had summoned the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo to appear before the court on December 4 (today) to explain his position in the case.

Nawaz, in his reply, had requested the court to discharge the notice issued to him in the interest of justice. He had contended that the case was a very old matter, dating back 33 years, and therefore he did not recall having passed any such order.

In 2015, former chief justice Nasirul Mulk had taken a suo motu notice over the illegal allotment of the shrine land to individuals in 1985 in violation of the LHC order.

CJP will hear cases regarding land grabber Mansha Bomb and installation of water treatment plants in Punjab. Photo: File

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar will hear a number of important cases at Supreme Court’s Lahore registry today.

The top judge will hear a case regarding land grabber Mansha Bomb, who has at least 70 cases registered against him.

During yesterday’s hearing, CJP had censured the Punjab Police and questioned whether this was Naya Pakistan’s police which could not control Mansha Bomb.

The bench had then summoned IG Punjab and DC Lahore for today’s hearing.
Is this Naya Pakistan’s police which cannot control Mansha Bomb, asks CJP

The court had further ordered that land be returned to the concerned people by midnight (December 1) and a report be presented in this regard.

Justice Nisar will also hear a case pertaining to the installation of water treatment plants in Punjab. A day earlier, he had directed the Punjab government to submit a final plan on the installation of water treatment plants on December 5.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan on Friday said she will respond to all allegations levelled against her in the Supreme Court.

A day earlier, the Supreme Court while hearing a suo motu case on foreign properties owned by Pakistani nationals, directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to present property and tax amnesty details of Aleema Khan.

Aleema Khan, who is currently on a tour of Japan to raise funds for NUML University, while addressing an event in Tokyo said, “I am being asked tough questions because I am in the headlines these days.”

“I am answerable to God and when the court summons me I will respond to their questions as well,” she added.

The premier’s sister further said that she’s “not a public office holder but a private citizen” and “will reply where she has to”.

“I am being asked where I got the money from [to purchase property]. I inherited this money from my maternal and paternal grandfathers as well as my parents and even earned myself,” she continued.

Aleema, who is a board member of the Shaukat Khanum Hospital, added, “None of us board members have ever touched the money that has been raised and nor have we ever tried to earn money through the wrong means.”

Stating that the allegations against her “hurtful”, she said, “My father was also accused of corruption and that was painful.”

“My father taught us to always be honest and forget taking bribes he never even gave them except to one telephone person who he used to give Rs100,” Aleema added.

She further said that Imran “always opposed accumulating money”.
Suo motu notice

Chief of Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of Aleema’s property in Dubai on November 28.

The chief justice, who was in London to raise funds for building dams in Pakistan, was informally speaking to journalists when they drew his attention to the matter of Aleema Khan’s properties abroad.

This month, Aleema deposited half the total cost of her previously undeclared Dubai property with tax authorities as penalty.

Aleema paid 25 per cent of the total estimated amount of her luxurious flat, “The Lofts East-1406”, in taxes and 25 per cent fine charges, officials had said. The prime minister’s sister was slapped with a double penalty (taxes and fine) because she did not disclose the said property worth around Rs74 million.

The said luxurious flat was located in the heart of Dubai, adjacent to Burj Khalifa, the most expensive area in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), added the officials.

Aleema, in her affidavit submitted with FIA team, stated: “The Lofts East:1460 was paid for from funds generated from my business dealings overseas. Further, I have already disposed of my property and have also informed the FBR about the purchase and sale of the said property.”

On October 27, FIA had submitted in the Supreme Court the details of 44 close relatives of prominent political personalities who owned properties in the UAE.

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar arrived back in the country after a week-long campaign in the United Kingdom to raise funds for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.

Speaking to the media at the airport before boarding the plan for Pakistan, the top judge said, “The entire nation is the protector of the dam-find raising campaign which I started.”

He added, “I will always remember the love shown by overseas Pakistanis.”

.

Dam fund campaign passion similar to 1965 war: CJP

.

On November 21, Justice Nisar arrived in Britain to attend the first event of the campaign at Lincoln’s Inn in London. This was followed by an event organised by the ‘Centre for Policy Dimensions’ on November 22.

He had then attended a fund-raising dinner in Manchester, organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf member and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s close friend Aneel Musarrat. On the same day, Geo News International started a live telethon from Manchester for the construction of the dams.

A record amount of Rs360 million was raised for the construction of the dams at the live telethon.

.

.

This was followed by another event on November 25 and a ceremony of the World Congress and Overseas Pakistanis on November 26, where Justice Nisar met community members.

LONDON: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Monday night said that accountability should be done without discrimination and with justification.

During an interview with Geo News in London, the chief justice shared, “The nation pays their hard-earned money as taxes and we cannot allow people to loot it.”

“A team has been formed under the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor to bring back looted money to the country,” he said. “Through the protocol signed with Britain, we have received important information regarding properties owned by Pakistanis.”

Justice Nisar continued, “Pakistanis who own properties in Britain were not sharing details. I had selected 15 Pakistanis who own properties in Britain of which seven appeared before the court and further investigations in this regard are under way.”

The top further said, “There is room for improvement in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws.”

Stressing the need for accountability across the board, the chief justice said, “In the Supreme Court, we do not see who is on whose side and we only see the law.”

“There is no other way except for accountability without discrimination and with justification,” he added.

Further, speaking to journalists, Justice Nisar said, “I am thinking of forming a bench to keep a watch on the money spent from the dam fund so they cannot be used for any other purpose.”

A record amount of £2.3 million was raised for the construction of dams at the Geo Television Network’s live telethon from Manchester.

The chief justice is currently visiting the United Kingdom to raise funds for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.

LONDON: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Sunday proposed a re-imposition of tax on the top-up of prepaid mobile phone cards to collect funds for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.

Addressing a dam fundraising ceremony hosted by UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in London, the top judge said, “It will not be appropriate to impose taxes to collect funds for the construction of dams, however, we had earlier suspended the withholding tax on the top-up of prepaid cards by cellphone service providers and learnt that through this Rs3 billion were saved per month.”

“If the nation allows, then we will re-impose the tax on the top-up of prepaid cards and collect money for the dam fund,” he added.

Justice Nisar urged the nation to put forth their viewpoints on his proposal. “The nation should apprise us of their thoughts on this proposal,” he said.

Terming not constructing dams earlier as criminal negligence, the chief justice said, “A dam needs to be constructed on every inch of Indus River.”

Further, Justice Nisar expressed hope that “one day all four provinces will be in agreement over the construction of Kalabagh Dam”.

“Karachi’s water crisis made me realise how crucial this issue is,” he added. “Tanker mafia and some others have been controlling the water supply in Karachi and in Lahore and Quetta the level of underground water is decreasing,” Justice Nisar asserted.

Stating that he wants to secure the future of the next generations, Justice Nisar said, “The construction of dams is no longer only Pakistan’s campaign but humanity’s.”

The chief justice once again reassured that he will safeguard every penny donated to the dam fund and that he will “leave the nation’s money in safe hands” before he retires. “I will make a company to ensure this,” he added.

“These funds are a loan from the nation and I will hand them over to a trustworthy man before leaving.”

Justice Nisar further thanked the government and those who have contributed to the dam fund.

Geo Television’s Live Global Telethon from Manchester raised £2.3 million in donations – the biggest ever amount raised since the start of the top judge’s appeal for dam construction.

The chief justice is currently visiting the United Kingdom to raise funds for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.

MANCHESTER: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar said on Friday that there would be no further need for fundraising if the looted wealth stashed abroad is recovered and allocated in the Dam fund.

“People have to answer how they made Rs3 billion worth property in Dubai. The entire wealth which belongs to the people of Pakistan must be given to the Dam fund. There will be strict accountability if not given voluntarily,” the chief justice remarked in his address during the Geo News telethon for the Dam Fund at Manchester.

“There will be no further need for fundraising if we recover billions from the looters,” he said. “Those who sent billions by launches will soon have to present themselves before accountability.”

The chief justice said that contrary to his hope few people didn’t put their contribution in Dam funds as according to their potential and financial stature.

“Those who looted billions didn’t give any amount,” he lamented.
‘Pakistan is the most water-scarce country today’

The chief justice said that the country stands most water scarce as it didn’t value water, adding that God forbid, that the country face situations as faced by Somalia and South Africa currently.

“Water is linked with life. If there is no water, there is no life,” he added.

The chief justice said that he didn’t get a satisfactory answer when he asked a top Sindh government functionary to drink a glass of tap water with him.

“I came to know that the underground water table has gone drastically low in Baluchistan and the dams have dried. He was told that there is no other way than rainfall to fill the dams,” he said.

CJ Nisar said that the court decided construction of Diamer Bhasha dam because of lack of consensus on the Kala Bagh dam in the country.

He called the inaction on building further dams in the country, ‘a criminal negligence’. “There was no action taken despite allocated funds.”

The chief justice said that as many as Rs1500 billion is needed for the dam. “We started the fund raising campaign after all due consideration. We started it by taking our patriotism into consideration,” he added.
‘People with vested interests can’t stop dam construction’

The chief justice said that a few individuals due to their vested interests are opposing dam construction, but rest assured they won’t succeed in it.

“Inshallah we will build many dams on Indus river,” he said.

The chief justice said that he would formally kick-start a population control programme from next month.

“I will start the advocacy from my home,” he added.