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PM’s grace bestowed on 16 SC judges
Supreme Court judges quietly allotted residential plots worth millions of rupees in Islamabad’s expensive sectors.
Documents submitted to PAC show the scheme is meant exclusively for judges
ISLAMABAD: Sixteen judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan were quietly allotted residential plots worth millions of rupees each in Islamabad’s expensive sectors over the last two years (2008-2010) on the direct orders of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat under a scheme somewhat incredulously called the “Prime Minister’s Assistance Package”.
A list of the names of the beneficiaries, which also includes the name of ad hoc judge Khalilur Rehman Ramday, was recently submitted to the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by the federal ministry of housing. The list tops the agenda of the next PAC meeting.
The plots were allotted by the Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) after it received official letters containing the names of 16 judges from the PM’s Secretariat.
The subject of these official letters issued by the PM’s Secretariat was the allotment of residential plots under the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package. However, no details have been given regarding what prompted the government to float such a scheme, meant exclusively for the Supreme Court judges.
The names of 16 Supreme Court judges are part of a main list of about 100 judges of both the four provincial high courts as well as Supreme Court of Pakistan now in the possession of the PAC secretariat. The chairman of the PAC, Ch Nisar Ali Khan, who heads the most powerful parliamentary body of the National Assembly, had ordered the housing ministry to provide details of the allotment of plots to judges, journalists, bureaucrats, and politicians from 1996 to date.
Documents exclusively available with The Express Tribune reveal that, apart from the allotment of plots to 16 Supreme Court judges under the Prime Minister’s Assistance Package, 14 judges of the Supreme Court — both sitting and retired – were given two plots each by the government in violation of official policy, which restricts such allotments to only one plot per person, and that too if they do not already have a plot in the capital.
Moreover, the judges of superior courts were allotted plots even though they were not serving in Islamabad – an essential requirement for such allotments. The exception in the updated list of judges’ who have been allotted plots, is the name of the honourable Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, who has not been allotted any plots in Islamabad. Otherwise, a quick look at official files now sent to the PAC reveals that almost all judges who served in the higher judiciary were given plots.
The first-ever list of plots given to judges, politicians, journalists and bureaucrats has been compiled after Ch Nisar Ali Khan had issued instructions to submit the names those who were given plots as a part of government policy. The Express Tribune will also publish the list of remaining beneficiaries of the government’s allotment policy.
LHC Chief Justice Khwaja Sharif also accepted a plot in Islamabad although he was serving in Lahore. Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, who retired on January 12 and was given a new contract, however took two plots from the government. The newly-appointed chairman of the NAB Justice Deedar Hussain Shah also got a plot in 2004 when he was a judge of the SC. Attorney General Moulvi Anwarul Haq also got a plot as a judge.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2010.
Reader Comments (61)
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Great story! The only thing better than it is the fact that Rauf Klasra is now at ET!Recommend
To live in peace you have to keep judges happy. In the ‘land of the pure’ nothing happens without graft. PM is doing right thing to avoide trouble.Recommend
If this report is correct then, unfortunately, all judges receiving these plots are as nude as the generals, the politicians, the bureaucrats and all others who are called in to stand in the dock. Give back the plots your honors, give them back. Lifaafa journalism and lifaafa justice are the same. The honorable CJ should take suo moto notice of this impropriety. No wonder Pakistan’s name continues to climb the ladder of corrupt countries. Shame on us.Recommend
What? Holy cows are corrupt too?Recommend
We are always blaming the government for everything when in fact they have been elected by the nation’s majority. That majority resides in rural areas or not very good areas of the urban sector.
These people are illiterate, poor, and can do nothing go with the choices of the ‘waderas’. In this situation who would go and vote for the one who is righteous? Give Rs.1000 to any one of these people along with a good dinner, they will do whatever their so-called caretakers will ask them to do. Another point here is that the ‘vaderas’ are going to make life hell for them if they don’t comply with their wishes.
There was one Sialkot inicident that was given so much attention. What came out of it? Does anybody know what happened to the pathetic people who carried out this heinous crime? There are hundreds, if not more, of such incidents happening all over Pakistan. Nobody cares.
Everything that Allah has forbidden is rampant here. You name it: corruption, fraud, selfishness, injustice, adulteration of food, medications and what not, rape (not only of women but sodomy and rape of small children too), burying women alive, killing in the name of what not.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah says: I am Allah. There is no god but I. I have created the kings whose hearts are in My hand. I will make the hearts of the kings full of mercy towards the people who obey Me, but I will make them full of rancor towards the people who disobey Me. Do not engage yourselves in reviling at the kings. You must repent to Me so that I will make their hearts full of compassion towards you.”
We have to answer to Allah. Why have we forgotten that?Recommend
Everyone is corrupt from top to bottom in Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It’s just kinda lolly pop from PM to our judiciary. Our innocent judges have accepted this lolly pop and now see the effect of this lolly pop on courts decisions. I don’t know why people are still quiet?? We should be united against these politicians…Recommend
am in the wrong profession?Recommend
We are poor COUNTRY/NATION because our judges, politicians, journalists and bureaucrats are RICH. AND WILL REMAIN RICH SINCE LONG AND NATION WILL REMAIN POOR. . . .WE USE AID TO FEED THEM. . .WHAT A PITY?Recommend
Everybody is in Turkish bath! Good show honorable judges. What can we expect from you since you have been bought also?Recommend
Great news, two days back when i read a story about Klasra joining express, I was so much happy that I shared the news with a friend on sms. Keep it up dear. Recommend
Shame Shame!!!!!!Recommend
Now lets see what actions CJ will take on it or he will ask for Plots too.
Everybody among us is involve in corruption. Time to sacrifice some “holy cows”.Recommend
Judiciary has always sacrificed the rule of law over thier own petty interests, that was the reason when PM Gillani was confident when he said the decision on 18th Ammendment will be positve. Gillani said these words before the judgement came.Recommend
Everybody is in Turkish bath [+2]
Great Story….. Justice for allRecommend
Early this year, there was a news that Ramday refused to draw salary after his appointment as ad hoc judge…funny…isnt it?Recommend
I fail to understand, why alot of people are surprised by this? I was never in doubt that these so called pious & honest people of the judiciary were actually not so honest. The sad part is that no as yet has opened or investigated the references filed against the most Honorable judge in Paki Land, these allegation were thrown out just because of maybe a procedural issues or flaw? No one bothered to actually see if these allegations were true or not.
My friends, the biggest blunder in recent times have been the case of Pak Steel privatization reversal, after that I ask how much FDI (much needed) has flown in Pakistan? When certain top judge promised that FDI will come, rupee will be stable against USD if & when the Judiciary is restored. Well, it’s been what almost 1 & a 1/2 but neither FDI of any sizeable amount has flown in neither our Pak Rs. has improved against one of the weakest currency in the world.
All empty promises will the country has literally gone to the dogs, the judiciary is looking at irrelevant cases to the real problem of the country, The Economy!!!!!
I ask, why the media is not asking these questions, & I answer, as the media is as biased as they were against the previous President. Atleast, that guy didn’t make any places in UK or France or neither did his family (son included) have prime properties all around the world (Canary Wharf & Park Lane, UK).
All Hail Independent Judiciary!!!!!!
All Hail Democracy!!!!!Recommend
Rauf Klasara you have indeed done a very good job by exposing the Holy Cows. Now the nation wants from you to please kindly publish the names of all whom you have mentioned in this expensive report. It is true that who ever held any important position in the government was gifted plots in Islamabad though some were already well off and already had more than enough assets. Breaking this news is in fact a very big news for which all who want fair play in the country should congratulate you for exposing these “Ganday Anday”.Recommend
Weldone. Keep them in good humourRecommend
Nothing much of a surprise here but comparing to plots given to armed forces officers its peanuts!!!!!!!!Recommend
Rauf Sahib, Congratulations for joining Express Tribune.
Rauf Sahib, Judges are no different than any other Pakistani people, this is how things operate in Pakistan, lets not sit on our high horses and pass judgements. Welcome to the land of “pure”.Recommend
Mr Klasara has made a name as an investigative journalist and its good to see him at ET. The govt needs to reverse their policy of making improper allocations of state land to buy political favours.Recommend
This is the reason we love and admire Rauf Klassra and entertained ourselves by the observations of self claimed selfless judges.Recommend
You too……….BrutusRecommend
Beginning of another conspiracy?…. I wonder the timing of this column Klasra Sahib. :-)Recommend
Excellent example of double standardsRecommend
Do you even know the price of single plot alloted to them???, its even more then a avg lower middle class Pakistani earn in his whole life i guessRecommend
I agree with Mr ASQ that these plots are nothing as compared to the agricultural/residential plots given to armed forces.
I also want to remind Mr. Klasra that these 2 plot policy for the supreme court judges started after the federal govt alloted 2 plots to federal secretaries. It is highly inappropriate to publish this kind of a story against the Hon’ble Judges of the Superior Courts.Recommend
Can Mr. Klasra give a list of 16 SC Judges with names and allotment dates. And a seprate list of present Judges who benefited.Recommend
It is a bit of shock , but here is another one, my brother who is a Lt. Colnel (Retd) has been able to basket one house and 5 plots (one this month 5 years after retirement) in DHAs across Paksitan. Will Rauf Kalasra ever write about the wealth of an oridinary army officers let alone our Man of the hour KIYANI????Recommend
I could not believe that our Hon. Judges of Supreme Court of Pakistan will ever accept government favour of any kind much less allotment of pricey CDA plots. It hurt me most.
No doubt permits, plots, perks has been the government way of purchasing allegiance or votes. No doubt it is a done thing now. But not for the judges of the Apex Court who as judges are sworn to do justice without fear or favour. They should have declined the offer or allotment of plots by the governmen.
Maybe I belong to the old school of thought. When our first Prime Minister Mr.Liaquat Ali Khan invited our first Chief Justice of Pakistan Sir Mian Abdul Rashid to an official dinner the latter declined saying that he had a government case to hear. Bashir A. Malik Recommend
Ours is an independent judiciary. They were given plots as an award for being ‘independent’. Well done PM and congratulations to judges for recognition of their services to the nation. Recommend
In any society where rule of law and accountability held least of the ground this shameful revelation, would have straight away, held the beneficiaries responssible of clear judicial misconduct and forth with unfit for the honorable jobs, which they have been honored to perform in this land of PIOUS.
They should at least ask themselves whether this was the purpose for which the blood of commited pakistanis was shed in 2007-2008 i.e to say during the historic lawyers movement, when most of the families of middle class lawyer community had to sell their personal belongings to have their both ends meet.
Not last but the least to say that whether the verdicts delivered and orders pronounced by them hold any legal or ethical value?Recommend
the media is independent,govt is independent,judges r independent,so sub apni marzi karin gay na,becoz they r all independent.only the common man is dependent:),i m not shocked to read it as the delaying tactics by the courts in the name of judicial restraint speaks volume abt their intention:)Recommend
@Khan……..yep, have to swim with the fishes! The Land of the Pure.Recommend
khalil rehman ramday got 2 plots wich is against the rules.khawaja sharif got plot in islamabad while he works in lahore.khalil rehman ramday is retired and work as adhoc judge wich moraly incorrect.he always preaches morality to people in court.khalil rehman ramday is a junior judge now because once you are retired and work as adhoc judge you are considerd as junior judge but he is always in the bench with chief justice in all important cases.khalil rehamn ramday should moraly leave that job since he is retired,he should leave that job for other deserving judge who is not retired but can’t come to suprem court because ramday holding that job.this is against merit and morality.Recommend
It is an old news and reported by klasra at that time as well but CJP did not took any action then how could he take action now?Recommend
Our is an idependent army. Independent to allot as amny plots as it wants!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jitoi was right when he wanted to have an equal right for corruptionRecommend
Nothing astonishing; the holy cows are only made holy by their stooges in media. The TI report which is being used to malign the political government mentions Judiciary as second most corrupt institution….(Customs takes number 1)…….way to go Judges…..NRO with Media!!Recommend
Mr. Kalasra is/was only Journalist in the scandalous group who was never involved in fake conspiracies against govt. only; leaving others as innocent. We welcome you to our Tribune family.Recommend
There is nothing wrong with receiving a plot. It is the only durable “perk” government servants get. However, there are caveats. The plot is not free. You have to buy it. The price is probably below-market but by how much is difficult to say. Then the Housing Foundation keeps sending you notices to pay “development charges” one or two lacks at a time. By the time I finished paying these development charges, the cost of the plot was probable double the original price although the value of the land has (hopefully) gone up in the meantime. So that is some consolation.
It does not say whether these plots were given free or not. Recommend
Holy Cow!
shameful, although army’s indulges a lot more in these sort of activities, the behaviour from members of top authority of justice is condemnableRecommend
Mr Klasra welcome to Express Tribune, very good story, keep rocking man…!Recommend
May I add one other important caveat. You can only get a plot if you do not have one. You have to put that in writing and have it attested/notarized. If subsequently your claim is determined to be false, the plot is taken back.
It does not say whether our worthy judges already have a plot.
Having more than one plot is illegal. Recommend
It’s an old news. Recommend
Yes Rauf Klasara is a brave investigative reporter. He does not make any biased reporting, like most.Recommend
Hey CJ, Suo Moto action…..Recommend
KALASARA IS HERE…..lets Rock and Roll
Love your work and everyday look forward to read your story….Recommend
Please tell why does any Judge deserve a plot at highly concessional rate and not a ordinary citizen.
What moral right do the judges have to accept these plots.
What moral right do senior civil servants have to get plots or for that matter even the politicians.
This is disgusting.
Remember and history tells us that people will loose confidence in all high and mighty be it judges or politicians or bureaucrats. after seeing such acts
Salams to the Chief Justice Iftiqhar Chaudrahy—we are proud of you.
Someone, Please help people of Pakistan.Recommend
@Amina Comments which include allegations not supported by established facts, figures or past reports will be deleted. Best regards (Web Editor)Recommend
Justice for all or all for justice? No one is immune from greed.Recommend
What the…..??? The Prime Minister is assisting the already privileged people. No wonder we rank so high in corruption. Shame!Recommend
Ali Haider this isn’t corruption. This is what these people claim to be their legal right. So this, by definiton can’t be called corruption (although yes you can challange the whole system in which politicians/judges/beurocrats/army officers etc are given exemplary benefits). Corruption starts when they aren’t satisfied even with all these benefits they get legally and that is when they start indulging in illegal activities to fill their pockets even more!!! if we start taking these incidents into account I’m sure we would beat Afghanistan which currently ranks as the most corrupt country in the world!!Recommend
The judges who took these plots are only showing that they too will not hesitate to make a quick buck. This one story should have been enough to put Pakistan at the top of the Transparency International report. We all have to hang our heads in shame. I understand that there are 3 sitting judges of the Supreme Court on the list. Shame on the judges. But then as Mark Twain has said: ” If you take a dog from the street, give him shelter and food he will never bite you. That is the principle difference between a man and a dog.”Recommend
When the justice depletes from the courts, streets are repleted with the bloodRecommend
Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.The fresh and most effective strategy of PPPP’s leaders to win the SC’s judges favors to win their cases in the SC to complete 5 years’ tenure.Recommend
Now u know why the article 175A of 18th ammendment has been sent back to the Parliement and not struck down.Some credit should also be give to HIS EXCELLENCY Mr Aietezaz Ahsan for his rewarding deal.Recommend
This is with regards to the web-editor saying that certain comments made by Amina will be deleted because they are not corroborated by established facts, figures or past records. I did not read the deleted post but I believe that unless comments are malicious or obscene or downright rude, they should be allowed to stay … in the interest of freedom of speech. Everyone has the right to his or her opinion.Recommend
Read & be ashamed !!Recommend
Allotment of residential plots to the bureaucrats ,judges , officers of defense services , politicians ,
and other men in top slots is a sort of legalised corruption . Such acts are hit by legal maxim ,
” Doing an unlawful thing under the shade of law remains unlawful “. Allotment of plots which , these days, may cost in crores , is a bribe . These people are rich , get high salaries ,free accommodations , and other perks , in no case , they are entitled to costly properties , at throw away prices , and at times , free of cost also. A man serving in Basic scale one , who gets about 6000 rupees per month , can any one tell me , how he can have his own house . There is no such schemes for poor people , are they not human beings and citizen of this country.
According to International Transparency Report the Judiciary is most corrupt branch , second only to custom deptt. , The Chief Justice must see into it . Recommend
@Rizwan Comments which contain slander (which includes unsubstantiated allegations) will be deleted as per our policy. Best regards (Web Editor)Recommend
It is shameful that even the justices of the supreme court have fallen in the trap and accepted these plots. If we want to nip this evil in the bud then we have to be strong and straightforward.ch.iftikhar ahmed should take take the lead and do the following.1. Take suo moto action and order these judges who have accepted these plots to return the plots to Govt.
2. Should make it illegal for the Govt. to give plots to anybody. I emphacise anybody.People affected can be compensated by the organisations including the Govt. in terms of proper wages and pensions.
In my opinion no body has right to flaunder nation's lands.
Recommend