The green signal: Ehtesab Commission allowed to continue enquiry

PHC warns body against harassing PPP leader Liaqat Shabab during probe.


Our Correspondent May 20, 2015
Parallel justice: 0.7m rupees was the fine imposed by the trial court. PHOTO: PPI

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Ehtesab Commission has been allowed to continue its enquiry against former provincial excise and taxation minister and PPP leader Liaqat Shabab, under the law. However, the body has been barred from harassing Shabab during the process.

A Peshawar High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Irshad Qaiser allowed the commission to continue its enquiry on Wednesday. They were hearing a petition filed by Shabab claiming the probe initiated against him is unlawful.

Qazi Jawad Ihsanullah, Shabab’s counsel, told the court that on May 6, his client was issued a notice by the Ehtesab Commission stating it was investigating excise and taxation officials and other staff. Ihsanullah said Shabab was asked to appear before the commission and record his statement. However, when the PPP leader reached the authority’s office, a long form was handed to him to list his assets.

Due process

“If the commission really wants to investigate the former minister, the chief prosecutor would first prepare a case regarding his assets which is required under Section 30 of Ehtesab Commission Law 2013,” argued Ihsanullah. The investigation director would endorse the case after which the director general would issue a notice to the person against whom they want an enquiry, he added.

According to Ihsanullah, his client was not issued the said notice while the relevant law was also not followed.

“The former minister is ready to disclose all his assets, but the commission is harassing him in one way or another,” said the lawyer, adding the commission directed Shabab to provide the required information within seven days which is not possible.

Shabab’s counsel requested the high court to order the commission to not arrest his client and give him enough time to disclose his assets. The apex court has declared such applications illegal many times, said Ihsanullah.

Subsequently, the high court bench directed the Ehtesab Commission to refrain from harassing Shabab as it carries out its investigation.

Liaqat Shabab was the excise and taxation minister from 2008 to 2012 when the province was ruled by the coalition government of PPP and Awami National Party.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2015.

 

COMMENTS (2)

Sufian | 8 years ago | Reply PPP should realize KP is not anymore like the rest of Pakistan. Justice wont get delayed as all the corrupt elite want enough time to transfer their assets to the family members and relatives and to be appear as poor. Similarly, the court should not entertain such petitions as these are made to delay the due process for personal motives.
Fraser | 8 years ago | Reply Put him on the exit control list.
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