In a letter to President Asif Ali Zardari, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan raised the objection that he was not duly consulted before nominating Admiral (retd) Fasih Bukhari – and that the government failed to implement the Supreme Court’s verdicts. Nisar stated that the Supreme Court has defined “consultation” in its verdicts as meaningful deliberations, according to sources within the party.
(Read: In a fix - PML-N stumped by NAB chief nomination)
“Chaudhry Nisar did not object to Fasih Bukhari’s nomination but he disapproved of the president’s proposal on legal and technical grounds, claiming that the mechanism adopted in nominating the new chief was unconstitutional,” revealed a member of the PML-N asking not to be named.
Khan contended that the president’s unilateral decision was conveyed to him as information and could not be termed ‘meaningful consultation’. The opposition leader suggested that a serving or retired judge of the superior courts be appointed as NAB chairman in the two-page letter which will be released to the media on Friday (today).
The opposition leader has referred to the Supreme Court’s verdicts in the Asfandyar Wali, Harris Steel Mills, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Mubashar Hassan cases in support of his contention. President Zardari proposed Admiral (retd) Bukhari’s name for the post of NAB chairman on October 9 and had written letters under section 6(b) (i) to leader of the house and leader of the opposition to solicit their views.
(Read: Controversial appointment - Zardari picks retired admiral as NAB chief)
Officials at the presidency confirmed they had received the letter when contacted, but refrained from giving any comment.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2011.
COMMENTS (12)
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It seems that PML-N knows constitution more than others, despite not having any credible lawyer in their fold. Or they are just against anyone sensible. They will be very pleased if judges from Punjab or Khawaja Sharif are made NAB chairman. They just don’t want a strict upright and impartial administrator at the top, who is willing to open their cases as well. At this stage, PML-N doesn’t want to get their investment in the “independent judiciary” go down the drain. PML-N’s usual attitude of “My way or the highway”. As long as it is the major opposition party, they will bulldoze any saner move or dialog. Let’s hope in the next elections it is reduced to a small regional party.
@k. Salim Jahangir: He has a valid point. Probably you missed it totally!
Defense is right of every accused. If you deny this right then no difference between U and Q. Even Kassab is being defended by lawyers in India.
@anybodyagree: Parallel drawn by you is wrong,we are discussing appointment of Chairman NAB.
I know this man. He is very fair and firm. I feel is one of the best choices for the seat of Chairman NAB.
Zadari did it again....................... PML-N is cornered now.
Zardari wins again!
He nominates an honest person for this position knowing Noon league will oppose all honest/fair guys who can held them accountable for their corruption.
So I hope you guys, get the drift why N-League opposing his nomination?
Guys, Don't expect much from status-quo people, Imran Khan is the only choice now!
In any logical thought a retired judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan should be considered for this position.At least, he would have the understanding, what law is to avoid miscarriage of justice.
Abba Gee would be the right choice.
PML-N's usual attitude of "My way or the highway". As long as it is the major opposition party, they will bulldoze any saner move or dialog. Let's hope in the next elections it is reduced to a small regional party.
Extra constitutional? Perhaps PML-N knows constitutional more than others, despite not having any credible lawyer in their fold. Or they are just against anyone sensible. They will be very pleased if judges from Punjab or Khawaja Sharif are made NAB chairman. They just don't want a strict upright and impartial administrator at the top, who is willing to open their cases as well. At this stage, PML-N doesn't want to get their investment in the "independent judiciary" go down the drain.