Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's elder son, Hussain Nawaz, on Wednesday filed a request in the Supreme Court (SC) seeking the formation of a commission to investigate the 'leaking' of a CCTV image of his appearance before the joint investigation team (JIT) probing allegations of money laundering against the Sharif family.
In addition to the photograph, a copy of the summons issued to the PM’s elder son was also circulated on social media after Hussain had told media on May 28 — his first appearance before the JIT — that he was only given 24 hours to appear before the JIT.
The summons, however, proved otherwise and showed that he was given ample notice prior to his appearance.
In his latest request, Hussain alleged that JIT members have been "pressuring every witness ... to change his statement and even to implicate specific persons in wrongdoing".
Hussain claimed in the request that the photo leak was against ethical and legal codes, adding that recording videos of the JIT's proceedings was akin to "pressurising" witnesses appearing before the body.
He added that the recording of proceedings does not allow witnesses to "speak without being treated like a criminal".
The request added that recording the statement of a witness is a violation of Sections 161 (public servant taking gratification other then legal remuneration in respect of an official act) and 162 (taking gratification for exercise of personal influence with public servant) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Hussain requested the court to prohibit the JIT from recording videos of the proceedings to ensure that the "investigation is held in an independent manner and justice is being done."
He further requested the SC to form a commission that is led by a retired or serving judge to investigate the matter of his picture's leaking.
The request was filed by senior lawyer Khawaja Haris.
"The manner and timing of the release of the photograph has raised questions about the motives of the person or persons behind this sordid affair," the request says.
The JIT is expected to submit its second forthnightly report on the Sharif family investigation before a three-member bench of the apex court today.
