LAHORE, March 10: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Saturday action against Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry had been taken in accordance with the law and the Constitution.

“The matter is sub judice as it is placed with the Supreme Judicial Council now that will decide it in the light of provision 209 of the Constitution. I’ll not comment on it further,” the prime minister told journalists in an unusual tone after distributing cheques among victims of the Samjhota Express tragedy at a ceremony at the Governor’s House.

“Every violator of the law of the land in any other field will face the same treatment,” Mr Aziz said categorically.

The prime minister said India was not providing concrete information about the Panipat tragedy. “We had proposed joint investigation into the Samjhota Express tragedy but they did not agree. They are holding the probe but have yet to pass on any information regarding progress made in the investigation.”

The Panipat incident, Mr Aziz said, was a great tragedy which had shocked the entire nation. “Pakistan is committed to ensuring that those involved in the incident are exposed and brought to justice. We will not sit idle till they are tracked down and handed down punishment,” the prime minister vowed.

The Pakistan government would improve facilities for passengers of the Shamjhota Express, he said. The prime minister added: “No amount of money can be a compensation for human life. The cheques are being given to reassure you that you are not alone in this hour of sorrow.”