Ex-CJP's bullet proof car: Law ministry asks AGP to approach SC

Apex court sought response over plea that Iftikhar Chaudhry enjoys the privilege despite being a politician now

ISLAMABAD: The law ministry on Tuesday asked the attorney general's office to approach the Supreme Court in order to retrieve a bullet proof car from former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

Supreme Court on Saturday sought response from the ministry over a petition challenging the perks allowed by Islamabad High Court to the former CJP last year.

"Now when Justice [Iftikhar Chaudhry] (retd) has declared himself as a politician, the use of official car and petrol by a politician under the coverage of Islamabad High Court order has become a serious point of criticism by the government, public and politicians."

"It is therefore requested that matter may immediately be placed before the attorney general of Pakistan to explore the possibility of seeking relief from the Supreme Court in this matter."

Earlier on Tuesday, the apex court asked Deputy Attorney General Sohail Mahmood to assist whether or not they could hear the case.



It also asked the law ministry to apprise about the status of the government's intra court appeal, relating to the matter, pending in Islamabad High Court for the last two years.

The hearing of the case was later adjourned till Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a senior official revealed to The Express Tribune that the federal government will recommend to the apex court to hear the case by itself.

The matter also reportedly echoed in the Senate on Saturday as the opposition demanded an explanation from the government over the former CJP's possession of the car.

On January 4, 2014, the IHC had directed the authorities to arrange a bulletproof vehicle for Iftikhar Chaudhry, besides putting in place adequate security at his residence.