Summary The Inspector General (IG) Sindh does not seem to be following the constitution, says Justice Afzal
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan on Thursday has postponed the hearing of case regarding controversial purchase of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) by the Sindh government until second week of April. Justice Ejaz Afzal said that the Inspector General (IG) Sindh does not seem to be following the constitution.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja held hearing of case. Justice Khawaja said that the Sindh police was not authorized to purchase APCs worth more than Rs 1 billion. He said that the provincial affairs would now strictly follow the law tossing the previous unconstitutional practices. Justice Khawaja also said that the authorities who have problem with the law should rather try to amend the rules.
Sindh government counsel Farooq H Naik said that the agreement of purchase of APCs was done during the tenure of former IG Shabbir Ahmed Sheikh. He assured the court that the government would try its level best to not let the provincial affairs deviate from the path of law from now on.
IG Sindh Ghulam Haider Thebo said that Rs 30 lac were agreed upon with Irfan Qadir out of which at least Rs 20 lac have been paid. The SC asked Thebo to explain on what grounds Qadir was paid the fees. The Sindh government has its own Advocate General Office, why does it need to hire a separate cousel? Asked Justice Afzal.
He said that Justice the lawmakers who are not worthy of being followed should be sent home. Justice Khawaja said that the court strictly abides by the law and the Constitution of Pakistan, however, IG Sindh seems to be above the rules.
The SC separated the matter of purchase of helicopter and fire brigade vehicles from the APCs case. The hearing was adjourned until second week of April.
