American businessman Mansoor Ijaz. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: Akram Sheikh, counsel for the central character of memogate scandal Mansoor Ijaz, on Saturday filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking permission for sending memo commission abroad to register Ijaz’s statement.

The US businessman had been summoned by the parliamentary committee and the judicial commissions investigating the case, but he refused twice to come to Pakistan despite assurances of proper security.

Shaikh said his client faced a security threat if he comes to Pakistan and there was also a danger that he might be arrested on false charges and evidence might be taken away from him.

The judicial commission has also submitted a request in the court asking an extension to finish the investigation.

The commission has given Ijaz one last chance to present his version of events in person, inviting him to appear on February 9.

It categorically refused Ijaz’s application to record his testimony at a location of his choice.

A nine-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry will hear the memo case on January 30.