Gilani no more enjoys immunity: SC
10 April, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has remarked Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani remains no more Prime Minister (PM) therefore, immunity to him stays no more.
CJP gave these remarks while presiding over a 3-member bench of SC during the course of hearing of Hajj corruption case here Tuesday.
Investigation officer Hussain Asghar told the court Zain Sukhera and Najib Ullah have been granted bail. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani assets have swelled dramatically and the fattening of assets came to light following initiation of Hajj corruption case.
He further told law ministry had prevented him from holding investigations against Yousuf Raza Gilani.
CJP observed "when the umbrella of immunity has been taken off from him then who is stopping the proceedings to be initiated against him.
Director Legal FIA Azam Khan told the court former DG Hajj Rao Shakil was arrested and his accounts had been freezed. Former secretary establishment Ismail Qureshi was in US and Aftab Islam, former joint secretary of ministry of religious affairs was also under arrest. Former minister for religious affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi was on bail and his name and name of other officers who are allegedly involved in this scam have been put on ECL. Assets of Ahmad Faiz have been confiscated.
CJP inquired as to why Ahmad Faiz has not been arrested so far. If he is so influential person, he further questioned. .
Azam Khan said our 3 teams had left for Saudi Arabia to arrest Ahmad Faiz. He kept on changing his place despite being identified. Evidences are found but he is not being found.
Hussain Asghar gave statement of the similar nature. The court remarked Pakistan embassy be contacted to arrest him.
Hussain Asghar said immunity being enjoyed by the former Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani is causing delay in the case.
Court remarked " he remains no more PM, therefore, immunity stays no more with him and FIA can summon him.
About sending the journalists to Hajj on government expenses he said amount has been received from Bahria town in this connection.
Hussain Asghar told the court law ministry had written a letter with reference to former PM that no proceedings be initiated against him. The court ordered that copy of law ministry letter be presented before it.
The court issued notices to Attorney General, law ministry and former prime minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and adjourned the hearing of the case for two weeks.
End.
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