As reports came in about the Supreme Court’s decision to take up a controversial decade-old case regarding the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) role in politics, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) asked the court on Tuesday to not overlook the agency’s role in the present, as well as during former president Pervez Musharraf’s regime.
The request was made through an official statement released by Opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s office.
“It would be a mockery of justice if the matter is not looked into by the court,” said Nisar, in what appeared to be a thinly veiled reference to the much talked about emergence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).
Earlier, Nisar claimed that he had evidence to substantiate his allegations that agencies were using parties like the PTI to undermine the PML-N.
The SC may take up, within the next month, the pending petition of Air Marshal (retd) Asghar Khan wherein he had requested the court to look into allegations that the ISI had financed several politicians in the 1990 elections in order to create the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) and stop Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) from winning.
Lt-Gen Asad Durrani, the former director general of ISI, submitted an affidavit in court and gave details of the amount he had authorised to be paid to politicians – most prominent on the list was the PML-N chief himself, Nawaz Sharif.
“If the Supreme Court can reopen a 23-year-old case then why can’t it investigate the role played by the agency during Musharraf’s rule and at present?” Nisar asked in the statement.
The opposition leader also took the opportunity to lash out at PTI chief Imran Khan, saying he had no role in the restoration of the incumbent judiciary.
“Imran Khan used to visit foreign countries at the time when the movement for the reinstatement of sacked judges was at its peak, and disappeared on the eve of the long march,” he alleged.
While commenting on the recent formation of a group called Pakistan First, Nisar said the ‘remnants’ of Musharraf should apologise to the nation for their deeds instead of issuing sermons on democracy. It is ironic that those who used to support the former military dictator are now talking about democracy, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2012.
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If ISI does not play a role, I am sure our politicians could sell Pakistan to US, India etc and that too at a cheap price.
When IK and PTI used to refer at this case, PML N used to ask them to go to the courts and get that case reopened, after all the courts are free now. And now, they are trying to save their faces even before the first hearing.. Lol
Judiciary has finally realized to show its neutraility and form history that no other case is against PPP. Thank you Mr CJ, but i am not hopeful that this case can yield much.
Now this case will answer many of the questions of Ch. Nisar.... He will himself say "Miyan sahab, Hunn to jaan deo"
Come on, this is the "independent judiciary" which has given you more justice than you ever demanded. Just a hearing and case goes in waiting for another 16 years.
Don't take it serious. Mr. Chaudhary also need to show some 'impartiality' !
Fair demand.
But its relevance decreases after the SC has already fixed a hearing date for the case, on insistence of Air Marshal Asghar Khan and Imran Khan,among others!
why has been petition accepted now? it is a balancing act bythe court, as its credibility is at stake by targeting one party only,this is excellent media management. And the verdict, petition will be dismissed because of some reason and Nawaz shrif will be given a clean chit
"Imran Khan used to visit foreign countries at the time when the movement for the reinstatement of sacked judges was at its peak"
Ch Sahib please tell us, Where Nawaz Sharif was that time... FOREIGN Imran was one of the few, who honestly struggled for reinstatement of sacked judges.
The demand is very much fair...
Chaudry Nisar be patient. Imran has repeatedly requested the supreme court to investigate the ISI,s current role in politics as well & stop its interference in politics for ever. Imran has also promised if any link between me & ISI is proven, I will leave politics for ever.
Crisis is diet of pakistani politics.
File a petition Chaudry Sahib. Yours will be heard around the end of 2022 perhaps if present pace of things continues
... and his nationality too
I think the Apex Court coincidently stepped on his tail...
Now let's see how PML-N is going to behave with judiciary...time has come to see the real faces.