Top court summons asset details from Musharraf, Zardari

SC adjourns hearing until August 7 – after expiration of amnesty scheme

ISLAMABAD: The country’s top court on Wednesday summoned details of assets possessed by former presidents, General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and former attorney general Malik Muhammad Qayyum.

As the three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, resumed hearing the petition filed by Feroze Shah Gillani against the National Reconciliation Order (NRO) and seeking recovery of losses worth billions suffered by the country due to the agreement, Musharraf’s counsel sought two-weeks’ time to submit reply.

He claimed that the notice, issued to Musharraf and Zardari by the apex court on April 24, was received by his client yesterday [July 3].

The lawyer asserted that Musharraf respected courts and hence be granted time.

During the hearing, Justice Nisar hinted at seeking statements from lawmakers and aspiring lawmakers about their assets abroad. Referring to the tax amnesty scheme, he observed that the scheme had been utilised by many. “Some people have declared their assets in the country and abroad while others are yet to follow suit.”

He noted that any incorrect facts in affidavits will be discovered. “Everyone needs to declare their dependents’ assets as well. The apex court shall summon details. Corruption will not be forgiven.”

Meanwhile, counsel for PPP co-chairperson, Farooq H Naek, submitted reply on behalf of his client. When he said that Zardari had faced eight cases and submitted affidavits attached with the nomination papers, the top judge remarked that he was not only speaking about Zardari but about every aspiring candidate.

The top court adjourned hearing until August 7 – after expiration of amnesty scheme.