SC direct AG to present agencies report on Karachi unrest

On the request made by Attorney General (AG) that intelligence agencies report be seen in chamber, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked: “We should not be taught the law, nor such request be made.”The CJP gave these remarks while presiding over a 5-member Supreme Court (SC) bench during the course of hearing of suo motu case of target killing in Karachi on Wednesday.The CJP said Karachi issue was very vital and it was court’s endeavour that hearing be completed during the current week. “However, if it could not be done so then we would continue to come to Karachi,” he observed.An application was filed by the MQM in the SC to be a party in the case. Advocate Qazi Khalid took the plea on behalf of the MQM that the MQM had reservations on Karachi situation. Urdu speaking were being kidnapped and later killed and 230 workers of MQM had been killed after 2008.DG Rangers Ijaz Chaudhry informed the court that militant groups of political and ethnic parties were involved in the violence in the city. He added that the situation in Karachi was worse than Waziristans and a military solution was only temporary but the issue could be resolved through political means. The DG Rangers requested that police powers given to the Rangers should last until peace is restored in the city.Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) counsel Abdul Qadir Jatoi presented the CD in the court with regards to allegations made by Zulfiqar Mirza against Rehman Malik and the Karachi situation, saying target killing started in Karachi in 1985.The CJP remarked: “We cannot go so far back. The court be informed if you have any case with reference to the prevailing situation.”Abdul Qadir Jatoi told the court target killing was continuing in Karachi under state patronage for the sake of power sharing and upcoming Senate elections. Dr Zulfiqar Mirza had made vital revelations and he was also witness to such situation, he said.The CJP remarked: “If Dr Zulfiqar Mirza has said something then his affidavit be brought and constitutional petition be filed then its investigations could be conducted.”During the presentation of arguments by the JI counsel, the CJP said: “It is not our job to carry out inquiry. Second week has started and we have not recorded any evidence.”The JI counsel said “conspiracy was brewing in the country. Whosoever raises voice against tyranny in Karachi is killed. Donation and extortion money is collected forcibly and due to this situation is deteriorated.”The CJP said it was not job of the SC to record statements of witnesses. A separate petition be filed on this count, he remarked.Chief of Awami Tehrik Rasul Bakhsh Palejo said the incumbent government was dummy. “Its job is only to levy taxes on the people. The real power rested in the hands of the US. Everyone knows this is being done by the MQM but no one was ready to mention its name. Even judges are fearful of it. All the laws are helpless before the MQM,” he contended.Khawaja Naveed gave arguments in the court on behalf of Friends of Lyari (FOL). The CJP asked what organisation was FOL.Khawaja Naveed told the court this was registered in London and Lord Nazir was its patron.The CJP asked him “if this organisation was made by you. If Lord Nazir has ever seen Lyari. Have you ever visited Lyari”.Khawaja Naveed said that the government of Sindh had failed to protect the rights of people.The CJP said: “Tell the court what legal way is adopted to deal with mafias and such problems in the world.”Khawaja Naveed said clause of calling in Army was spelt out in anti-terrorism law to deal with terror-related activities.The CJP observed: “Such objective is not our objective. The DG Rangers is sitting here. Powers have been delegated to the Rangers after killing of 306 persons.”“When civil agencies are over there and Rangers and police can deliver then why are you looking to the other side. Rangers moved to Katti Pahari and then peace prevailed there,” the CJP further remarked. Non-political and competent officers be appointed in police, he said.If police and Rangers show courage then ongoing lawlessness can come to a halt in Karachi, the CJP remarked.The hearing of suo motu notice has been adjourned till tomorrow.