Mansoor Ijaz’s security seems to have become more of an issue than the very purpose for which he is visiting the country.
Ijaz, the central character in the Memogate scandal, will not settle for anything less than the army’s security upon his arrival to Pakistan – ironically banking on an institution that he has spent many years defaming abroad.
Pakistani-US businessman Ijaz’s counsel Akram Sheikh says he will advise his client against travelling to Pakistan in case the army itself does not make security arrangements for him – in line with the suggestion of the commission probing the controversial memo.
On Saturday, Sheikh wrote letters to Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to make sure that the army provides security to Ijaz. He informed both the officials that they would be committing contempt of the commission’s order if they did not ensure provision of the army’s security to his client.
He further said he would be forced to request the commission to get Ijaz’s testimony abroad – a request, he added, that was lawful and in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order.
The insistence on army security has, as expected, irked a few in the civilian administration.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik told reporters on Saturday that the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence are not security forces and added that the interior ministry is supposed to provide security to foreigners.
Malik, however, did add that the army can be called in to provide Ijaz security – if required.
As the controversy over Ijaz’s security rises, the attorney general told The Express Tribune that security arrangements for Ijaz have been finalised in consultation with the defence secretary.
The attorney general said that the commission had asked him to make appropriate security arrangements for Ijaz in its January 9 order.
“I have met with the secretaries of defence and interior, besides the representatives of federal security agencies to finalise the arrangements,” he said. Haq added that army personnel could be involved, if required, under Article 245 of the Constitution.
However, Ijaz’s counsel doesn’t seem convinced – going as far as writing a letter directly to Gen Kayani to ensure security for his client in line with the order of the commission probing the Memogate affair.
He added that his client felt that the safety of his life, and his material and electronic devices were in danger.
On January 9, Sheikh said the commission had ordered: “Security may also be provided to Ijaz by the personnel of Pakistan Army in addition to the security, which the learned attorney general deems appropriate.”
“…I call upon you to assure me of your readiness to meet your legal obligation and comply with the direction of the commission,” Sheikh wrote.
In his letter to the attorney general, Sheikh said he had informed the commission that his client had earlier delayed his arrival to Pakistan because the interior minister threatened him with a case under Article 6 of the Constitution.
“You (the attorney general) had also undertaken before the commission that you would communicate the cell number of the Battalion Commander for making security arrangements for Ijaz and his equipment,” he said.
“To the contrary, Security and Counter-terrorism DIG Dr Mujeebur Rahman Khan informed me that he has been appointed as the focal person for providing security to my client,” Sheikh added.
He further said the official also told him that this decision had been taken in a meeting chaired by the attorney general. “This arrangement is not acceptable to Ijaz,” the counsel added.
Sheikh told The Express Tribune that neither the attorney general nor the army chief has replied to the letters, thus far.
ISPR was not available to comment on whether the army was responding to Sheikh’s letter.
(WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ZAHID GISHKORI IN ISLAMABAD)
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2012.
[poll id="632"]
COMMENTS (7)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1731929357-0/Express-Tribune-(6)1731929357-0-270x192.webp "punjab govt announces guidelines for school reopening")
Very nice advice, crime was committed or not committed in the United States, two commissions has constituted in Pakistan,on behalf of the apex court and parliament, and for recording evidence of the star witness in abroad.
Defense counsel should name the country where it has to to be recorded, perhaps Israel is better than................................................................?
It was not an issue,but has made it deliberately by creating more and more demands by securing numbers in the game relating to high ups.
It would be baseless to say there was any conspiracy going on against the country or its security,stability or integrity.
everything was fabricated self made,professionalism had compelled to particular persons to blackmailing beleaguered government,they understood the time as a golden chance,but now they failed in their mission due to the complications has been created in the way.
very strange drama, a man,who is a star witness and writer of letter demanding a battalion for his safety,he is a conspirator,has hatched conspiracy in toppling the elected government of Benazir Bhutto.
He has played a same game,but should know that there is inquiry commission consisting on high profile highly qualified personalities they would take no time to come to the conclusion and his mala fide intention.
Why such a big issue is being made of this drama. Why could he not appear before the court by teleconferencing from USA. He only wants cheap publicity. How much is this man credible and a friend of Pakistan.
The importance being attached to the angel called Mansoor Ijaz by Judiciary & Army demands that Rawalpindi Corps be assigned the task of his security.
ISI zindabad
Jameet i - islami zindabad
Ijaz is going to cause more division between the military and the Government. Please let his stay abroad to give his testimony.