M Azam Khan appointed accountability court-II judge

Post was left vacant after Judge Arshad Malik was removed by IHC in the video scandal case

ISLAMABAD: After three-and-a-half months, the federal government on Thursday appointed a banking court judge as the judge of accountability court-II, Islamabad – a post left vacant after Judge Arshad Malik was removed by the Islamabad High Court in the wake of the video scandal case against him.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Muhammad Azam Khan, who was working in banking court, has been appointed as the accountability court judge on deputation basis for a period of three years.

The notification stated, “In exercise of powers conferred by Section 5 (g) and (h) of National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 (XVII of 1999), the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan [Arif Alvi] has been pleased to appoint Muhammad Azam Khan, District and Sessions Judge/Judge, Special Court (Offences in Banks), Islamabad as Judge Accountability Court-II, Islamabad, on deputation basis for a period of three years, in his own pay and scale or until further orders from the date he assumes the charge of the post.”

It said, “The appointment of the judge shall be governed by the relevant provisions of Ordinance of 1999, and terms and conditions prescribed in the law, Justice and Justice Division’s letter No 1(2)/2000-AV dated September 29, 2001 and December 15, 2001.”

Judge Azam Khan would likely proceed with the fake accounts case wherein Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari was accused.

A total of 110 cases were pending in two accountability courts in Islamabad.