Former SSP Rao Anwar files appeal against SC order

Anwar argues that being under trial does not restrict one's right to travel

ISLAMABAD: Former senior police officer Rao Anwar has filed a review appeal against the Supreme Court’s verdict of not removing his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) on Thursday.

Anwar had earlier filed a petition in the top court seeking removal of his name from the list which the court rejected in its January 10 decision.

The review appeal observes the Supreme Court in its earlier verdict ignored the parameters of justice. “Lodging of FIR and an under-trial case cannot withdraw one’s right to travel,” reads the petition, adding such legal points weren’t considered thus harming the chances of a fair trial.

The petition also claims the apex court had ignored many aspects in Anwar’s withdrawal plea. The former SSP Malir said his involvement in the Naqeebullah murder case hasn’t been proven and imposing a travel ban is a human rights violation.  “I cannot travel with freedom in Pakistan,” read the appeal as Anwar requested the court to review its January 10 verdict and remove his name from ECL.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Thursday scheduled a review appeal filed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Faryal Talpur against court verdict for hearing.

The review appeal has been scheduled for hearing on February 18 and will be heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed. Similarly, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and the Sindh government have also filed review appeals.

The apex court, disposing of a case pertaining to the death of an electrocuted child during a marriage ceremony in Abbottabad, directed parties to approach relevant forum.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, heard the appeal challenging high court decision which declared the trial court’s decision of 'Diyat" — financial compensation paid to the victim or legal heirs, was illegal.

The CJP remarked, "I am surprised that trial court awarded sentence to a company, Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (Pakistan) (PESCO) instead of nominated accused in the case and that how I can send a company to the jail."

He said PHC also accepted an appeal against the company for hearing whereas PESCO was not even respondent in the case.

Justice Khosa remarked that "how we can direct a company to pay Diyat when it is not a party in the matter and it would be better for applicants if they would file a civil case against the company for compensation and disposed of the case.

Expressing a lack of trust on the Centre and provinces’ performance on rights of the handicapped, Supreme Court has demanded reinstatement, facilities, complaints related data of all persons with disabilities.

The court has also demanded an answer regarding prize money, health care facilities, and other facilities. Justice Azmat Saeed remarked it should be told to what extent the court orders were implemented, “if you don’t want to implement then inform us but hypocrisy shouldn’t be committed.”

Justice Saeed told attorney general after affidavit, implement the court orders or else contempt of court action will be taken if committees are active then how a score of complaints was received.