Summary On January 22, Opposition in the Senate demanded an explanation from the government
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday has summoned reply from Law Ministry in matter of former chief justice (CJ) of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry’s bullet proof vehicle and security protocol.
The court has ordered Attorney General to inform about progress in intracourt appeal filed in the high court.
Justice Saqib Nisar headed a three-member bench to hear plea challenging court’s verdict in the matter. Petitioner Riaz Haneef Rahi Advocate maintained that he had filed a plea in a court however it was rejected.
However, he added that the court gave verdict allowing bullet-proof car to the former chief justice. The court stated that from prima facie of the case, the high court was not authorized to provide vehicle and security to Chaudhry.
The court adjourned the hearing until January 27.
The former CJ’s issue has also been raised earlier in the Senate and National Assembly several times. On January 22, Opposition in the Senate demanded an explanation from the government about the bullet-proof car given to Chaudhry.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) raised the question about the vehicle however, the answers by State Minister Sheikh Aftab couldn’t satisfy the opposition members.
Senator Farhatullah Babar said that Iftikhar Chaudhry is now the head of a political party and the government must inform the house in what capacity the bullet-proof car was given to the former CJP.
Explaining the position before the house, Sheikh Aftab said that the government vehicle was provided to Chaudhry upon an order from the judiciary. He told that the expenditure of the car and its fuel are being borne by Law Division. He told that the government is still in an appeal against the decision.
The former chief justice has been given a government-owned, bullet-proof vehicle despite his retirement two years back. The law does not support the act as head of a political party cannot use a government vehicle unless is ruling the country.
