ISLAMABAD: Despite warnings from the memo commission, former ambassador to the United Stated Husain Haqqani, will not be present at the hearing of the Memogate scandal which is underway at the Islamabad High Court on Thursday.
According to sources, the memo commission had issued a final warning to Haqqani in the last hearing and said that if he did not attend today’s hearing, a red warrant will be issued for his arrest.
Zahid Bukhari, the attorney for Haqqani, had also said that he would request the commission today (Thursday) to not take any adverse action against his client until the Supreme Court issues final orders.
He had added that Haqqani’s petition, filed by his counsel Asma Jahangir, was already pending before the apex court in which he requested for recording his statement via video link from London
“My stance will be to seek time till April 18, when Asma returns from India,’’ he added.
Earlier, the commission had proposed four options to bring Haqqani back to Pakistan. The four options included: seize his property in Pakistan, issuance of an arrest warrant, filing of a criminal case against him or hold him in contempt of court.
COMMENTS (21)
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The Memogate scandal has continuously been proving a complete waste of the country’s precious time and resources. It has damaged the inherent image/idea of our country’s sovereignty. Interestingly, taking notice of airing footage of the proceedings, the commission has warned the media of strict action. The court directives would have certainly disappointed media-savvy Mansoor Ijaz who has crossed all limits to get media attention. However in an attempt to attract Pakistan and world media he is badly exposed. His real face has been exposed to people. Commentary in low moral video and than official scam speak the volume of his morality.
Only week and poor are targets of democratic institution and of ......
By the way, HAQQANI is a dual national, he has also got the U.S citizenship......
So, enjoy........
Judges are suppose to review facts and make unbiased decisions -- they are not suppose to care who wins or take things personally. Somehow I think Pakistan's judiciary has lost sight of this basic premise. You don't need Haqqani presence to obtain a statement and his situation isn't one bit different that Ijaz. More importantly this Commission seems to lack common sense --- do they actually expect Haqqani to do the job of the prosecutor? Much to do about nothing. Time to move on. The big loser in this farce has been Pakistan followed closely by the judiciary.
Don't force haqqani to take politcal asylum in another country and then you can't bring him back.
@ Observer - Dont forget that Mr Haqqani has been the ambassador of Pakistan. Ijaz was a U.S citizen. Its a shame that a person who has been an ambassador of a country is scared to land his foot in the country !! what a slave nation we have become !!! wake up fools or this elite will not only eat you guys alive but also your next generations !!
OK, So Ijaz may not come. Even after being offered multiple dates and assurance of full security. And the Commission will travel to London and hold 'in camera' briefings, to avoid any inconvenience to Mr Ijaz.
But, if Haqqani, whose passport was earlier impounded for no reason, asks for Video recording , his property must be seized, he must be arrested and red corner notices must be issued.
I thought the 'Law' applied equally to all. May be I was mistaken.
@markh i think one has failed to understand ijaz was a witness haq on the other isnt
@MarkH:
"They lost all grounds to object to video testimony the moment they allowed it for Ijaz."
At least I didn't expect this from you. I know you are a knowledgeable person and already know the facts how reluctantly the Commission allowed video testimony for Mr. Ijaz, after considering all the threats - like "registering a treason case", "his safety can not be assured" and "he could come with his own will but go back when we allow him" - given by the Interior Minister and the Prime Minister. On the other hand, Mr. Haqqani assured the Commission, while requesting for the permission to go abroad, that he will be present whenever the Commission asks him.
What an waste of time! Pasha already gone, stop this nonsense!!
The memo drama is waste of time. Haqqani came earlier when everyone was saying he wont; he will come again in the end.
Please dont waste more time,.... HAQQANI , is a culprut , everyone knows now...
Please convict him and close the case, We need justice but also in quick time.
@MarkH... MI was a foreign citizen and the commission had no authority to summon him... but HH is a pakistani national and he served as ambassador for which he should be held accountable whatever wrong he did during his tenure...but the PPP jiyalas as always devoid of logic, will equate the two... its like a culprit asking the court that please imprison the witness as well ....strange logic...but what else can we expect from PPP and its followers...
Isn't the Commission getting a little emotional? As Asma Jahangir rightly said, Does the Commission want Haqqani's statement or his life?
Forget it... He's gone! He must be happy and saying "Catch me if you can".
Haqqani Saab: We know that you are very expert in multi level affairs, but this time you played with the future of Pakistani nation. We being Pakistani can not and will never pray for your escape. Although I pray to ALLAH to keep this nation and Country away from any evil person.(SUM AMEEN)
Hot air. They lost all grounds to object to video testimony the moment they allowed it for Ijaz. Even if he was required to do so at one point, they voided it and changed the rules with that action.
How can a thief present himself voluntarily, for his trial. Even a Red Warrant will not be enough to get him back. The crook has already played his master trick with the court.
Red warrant will now convert in blank warrant and law will remain helpless before the mighty.