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

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.