Hajj scam: SC orders Hussain Asghar to rejoin FIA

Supreme Court orders Hussain Asghar to rejoin FIA before June 8. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court, during the hearing of the Hajj corruption case on Tuesday, ordered the investigating officer (IO) Hussain Asghar to rejoin the FIA before June 8, Express News reported.

The court further stated that the officers deployed in the provinces were obliged to accept orders given by federal government officers.

A three-member bench, presided over by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, heard the trial. The court questioned the attorney general (AG) regarding the whereabouts of Hussain Asghar to which the AG replied that according to the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), calling Asghar back would cause chaos in the province.

To this the Chief Justice remarked that Hussain Asghar was a federal employee and as such could be recalled at any time, further stating that the current government even sent police officers back to Balochistan, at the orders of the court.

The court further deliberated that Asghar be brought back, else the court would suspend his notification.

“Asghar reports to the prime minister, not the chief minister of GB,” said the chief justice while ordering for Asghar’s transfer to be cancelled and salary withheld.

The attorney general then pleaded with the court for one more chance. The court responded by adjourning the case until June 8.

The court, in the short order, said that Asghar was delaying reporting to the FIA.

“The secretary establishment is bound to take action against him.” said the chief justice.

“Every federal government employee has the duty to implement the government’s orders. Otherwise they will have to face disciplinary action.”