New postings: Munir Malik appointed attorney general

“I would never let the law and Constitution down, that is the prime responsibility of an attorney general,” says Malik

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed Munir A Malik as the attorney general on Monday. The advice was signed by President Asif Ali Zardari confirming Malik’s appointment.

The premier sent a summary to President Zardari regarding Malik’s selection as the country’s top law officer. The notification in this regard has been issued and Malik is expected to assume office on Monday.

Party leaders had consulted Malik in Lahore before sanctioning him for the post, Information Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Mushahidullah Khan told The Express Tribune.

“Malik has been chosen for his skills, legal wisdom and professional sagacity,” Senator Mushahidullah said, praising the lawyer for his unbiased approach towards national issues.

Confirming his appointment, Malik said: “Prime Minister Nawaz wanted someone who could stand for the rule of law and he confided in me for the purpose.”

“I would never let the law and Constitution down, that is the prime responsibility of an attorney general,” he added.

To a question regarding balancing tasks assigned by the government and respecting the judiciary, in case a dispute occurs between the two, Malik said he would abide by articles 185 and 184 (3) if such a scenario arises.

It is the duty of the attorney general to advise the federal government on legal issues and he has the right to take part in all courts and tribunals on the federal government’s behalf.

Replacing Irfan Qadir

Malik is set to replace the incumbent AG, Irfan Qadir, who is facing contempt proceedings before the Supreme Court.

“I had been receiving the news but there is nothing to clarify as it’s the prerogative of the incoming government to appoint their men in key slots. I was officially informed on Friday morning regarding the changeover,” Qadir said.

He is believed to be a close aide of President Zardari as he was appointed by the president directly on April 13, 2012, despite the Supreme Court’s reservations.  President Zardari appointed him under Article 100 of the Constitution which allowed Qadir to serve as attorney general till the president decides otherwise.

Munir Malik: profile

Munir A Malik has served as the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).  He is held in high esteem among the country’s legal fraternity.

Malik was a prominent leader of the lawyers’ movement, initiated for the reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on March 9, 2007.

He was a member of the team which fought the legal battle in the Supreme Court for the reinstatement of the chief justice.

Malik had to pay a heavy price for his involvement with the movement, and was arrested after Musharraf declared a state of emergency on November 3, 2007 and was also kept in confinement at Attock jail.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2013.