LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday restrained Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s former principal secretary Dr Syed Tauqir Shah from leaving the country and also directed the federal government not to issue notification of extension in his service as ambassador/permanent representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Earlier, Mr Shah appeared before a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court at the Lahore registry.

Mr Shah told the court that he had not received any notice but appeared after he came to know about the order through media reports.

He said the federal government had appointed him ambassador to the WTO in 2014 for a three-year term. “I represent a sovereign country (Pakistan) in the WTO,” he said and also presented a report showing his performance.

However, the chief justice refused to take the report saying the court had no interest in his performance.

The chief justice also questioned extension given to Mr Shah after the expiry of his three-year tenure.

“The prime minister approved his extension,” said the secretary establishment division. He said a notification had not been issued.

CJP Nisar asked Mr Shah as to how he was appointed abroad despite facing a charge of being involved in 2014 Model Town incident.

“I was never nominated in the case,” the former principal secretary quickly replied.

Rejecting his request to let him represent Pakistan in the upcoming conference of the WTO members, the chief justice directed Mr Shah to remain in the country unless permitted by court.

Further hearing was adjourned till May 9 to be resumed at Islamabad seat.

HOSPITALS’ VISITS: Before holding court at the Supreme Court Lahore registry, the chief justice visited the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) and the Services Hospital and sought explanation from the health department over negligence.

CJP Nisar also directed the ministries of foreign affairs and interior to take steps for the repatriation of an Indian woman namely Ajmera Bibi who is admitted to the PIMH.

PLRA: The CJP ordered transfer of Punjab Land Record Authority Director General retired Capt Zafar Iqbal following complaints lodged by women staff of the authority.

The chief justice directed the Punjab chief secretary to immediately transfer the officer to any other department.

CJP Nisar was hearing an application earlier moved by Iram Shahzadi, an assistant director at the PLRA. The chief justice had already suspended her transfer order.

More women officials appeared before the court on Saturday with complaints against the director general. They accused the director general of victimising them for defying his personal demands.

BAR ADDRESS: Speaking at a reception hosted by the Supreme Court Bar Association, the CJP urged the lawyers to come up with plans to reform the institution of judiciary.

Urging the lawyers to extend their cooperation, he said, “It is our collective responsibility to improve our system.”

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2018