ISLAMABAD, Sep 01 (Online): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has remarked evidence collected through international legal help remained not acceptable after NAB amendment.
CJP gave these remarks while presiding over 3-member bench of Supreme Court (SC) during hearing of Chairman PTI petition against NAB amendment Friday.
Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah are the part of this bench.
During the hearing of the case CJP asked Haris that he wanted to ask Makhdom Ali Khan a question
He observed we saw a thing in amendment law a day before. The status of evidence collected through Mutual Legal Co operation (MLC) had been eliminated. Now NAB itself will have to seek legal services which will cost dearly.
CJP remarked you had said a day before that reports of properties have come from foreign countries in addition to MLA. The evidence received through this source are not acceptable as per law. You were to fight on these things in parliament but you left and went away.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah while addressing PTI counsel remarked. were you to resign from seat you would have vacated it for someone else.
Khawaja Haris said resign was given from seat which was not accepted. The clause related to assets is there in section 9 of NAB. It has been defined as corruption in section 9.
The CJP remarked what was the value of any asset in the past. This can be speculated. Some property dealer can say this property carried what value some years before. NAB should bring some concrete evidence. The real value of assets has not come before.
Khawaja Haris argued amnesty scheme was not protecting the property acquired through unfair means. NAB amendment had protected the assets accumulated through illegal means.
The report on withdrawal of references after NAB amendment was filed.
Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan inquired has NAB filed edited report.
NAB prosecutor replied yes NAB has filed report.
The CJP remarked you can say to the extent of public office holder. They should not be given this protection. Protection should be there for businessmen.
Khawaja Haris said businessmen to give bribe.
The CJP remarked the thing is different if the matter of corruption comes to fore. NAB law was misused. You should accept it.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked if members of parliament enact law for their personal interest then don’t give vote to them on next turn. Democracy works this way. There is no need to doubt parliament without any reason. Let the institutions work in their respective parameters. Unnecessary interference is not good.
The CJP remarked if there is matter of violation of basic rights then we can take notice on one letter too. We will have to see this letter was sent by whom.
The CJP remarked people leave country when opportunity for jobs ends. Becoming strong politically has become license of survival in the country. People elect representatives and send them under some purpose. The motive is this they will ensure governance in the country under constitution.
Follow the PNI Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
