LAHORE: The Lahore High Court chief justice on Wednesday directed a federal government law officer to apprise it about conclusion of the inquiry held by a committee, headed by retired justice Aamir Raza A. Khan, into newsgate.

During hearing of a petition challenging formation of the inquiry committee, a standing counsel stated the committee had completed its (probe) proceedings, therefore, establishment of the body could not be struck down at this stage.

At this, Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah directed the government’s counsel to apprise it on Dec 19 about the result of the inquiry.

Earlier, former law minister Babar Awan argued on behalf of the petitioner that all members of the inquiry committee belonged to Punjab and had close ties with Sharif family.

He said the government with mala fide intention formed the committee under the supervision of retired justice instead of a sitting judge. He said the inquiry committee had no legal value.

He said a judicial commission should be formed on the matter having representation of all the provinces.

Advocate Ilyas Khan of the PPP had filed the petition.

Published in Dawn December 15th, 2016