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ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday stopped the government from making new appointments, transferring and postings officers relating to high-profile cases heard.
A five-member bench of the top court headed by CJP Umar Ata Bandial issued the order while hearing a suo motu case relating to “perceived interference” by “persons in authority” in the investigation and legal proceedings of criminal matters against the government officials.
A day earlier, CJP Bandial took the suo motu notice of the perceived apprehension of “persons in authority” undermining the criminal justice system.
A five-member bench of the top court headed by the CJP took up the case today. The bench also comprised Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahir Ali Akbar and Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar.
Expressing concerns over the transfers and postings in high-profile cases, Justice Bandial remarked that such practices affect the rule of law in the country.
As per the Constitution, the SC is responsible to maintain peace and an atmosphere of trust in the society, said the chief justice.
While referring to recent developments in cases related to the prime minister and Punjab chief minister, Justice Ijazul Ahsan stated that FIA declared it “routine matters”.
At this, the CJP hoped that the government will cooperate in explaining the steps. As per the media reports, NAB’s record about the criminal cases has started going missing, he said, adding that the watchdog’s record in at least 4 cases went missing. Meanwhile, the top court issued notices to provincial prosecutor generals.
During the course of proceedings, the five-member bench of the top court also barred the prosecution from withdrawing high-profile cases.
Meanwhile, the SC adjourned the hearing of the suo moto case till next week.
More to follow…