LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday sought a reply from the federal government on a petition challenging constitution of an inquiry committee, headed by retired justice Aamir Raza A. Khan, to probe into the security meeting ‘leak’ case.

Former law minister Babar Awan represented the petitioner and contended that all members of the inquiry committee belonged to Punjab and had close relations with the Sharif family. He said the government had with mala fide intention formed the committee under the supervision of a retired judge instead of a sitting one. He argued the inquiry committee had no legal value.

Awan stated the government could ignore the recommendations of the inquiry committee like it previously did in the Model Town incident inquiry held by a serving judge of the high court. He pleaded a judicial commission be formed with representation of all provinces.

A federal government counsel opposed the petition and argued the inquiry committee was constituted in accordance with the law and Constitution. He said law empowered the government to form an inquiry committee or commission.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah adjourned hearing till Dec 14 and directed the law officer to apprise whether constitution of a new commission was being considered by the government. He also asked the officer to respond to the query on selection of the committee members from Punjab only.

Advocate Ilyas Khan of the PPP had filed the petition.

Published in Dawn December 3rd, 2016