Ataul Haq Qasimi case: SC initiates proceedings against Ishaq Dar, others

Former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was hit with yet another predicament on Thursday as the Supreme Court of Pakistan initiated proceedings against him in the Ataul Haq Qasimi appointment case.

The top court had ordered Dar, PML-N senior leader Pervez Rashid, and others to pay Rs190 million to Pakistan Television (PTV). The national television had approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) over the non-payment of the fine imposed.

The former finance minister failed to appear before the court despite repeated notices issued to him in this regard. Subsequently, the SC abolished his right to hearing in the case and initiated the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Pervez Rashid and others have questioned the legitimacy of PTV’s plea for hearing. At this, the court has asked the attorney general to assist in the case. The hearing has been adjourned until March.

Dar was declared an absconder by the Supreme Court in 2017 when he failed to appear before it since he was in London, reportedly undergoing medical treatment. Since then, he remains in London. In May 2018, the top court suspended Dar's Senate membership.

In December, the national accountability watchdog initiated a fresh inquiry against the former finance minister on graft charges.