ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan ambassador to the United States (US) Husain Haqqani has hit back at Mansoor Ijaz, the central figure in the Memogate scandal, stating that the Pakistani-American businessman’s right to record a statement be taken away if he does not appear before the commission probing the matter, Express News reported on Monday.
Haqqani’s statement comes after Ijaz’s counsel, Akram Sheikh, announced earlier today that his client had expressed reservations over the security arrangements made for him and had requested that the judicial commission record his statement in London or Zurich.
The former ambassador is caught in a tense stand-off between the government and military over a memo that accused the army of plotting a coup after the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden last May.
Haqqani is currently living at Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s hilltop residence in Islamabad, saying that he fears for his life.
Ijaz has also cited security issues as a reason for not coming to Pakistan and his counsel has also demanded that the army provide him with security in line with the order given by the judicial commission.
COMMENTS (56)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1713281138-0/US-Treasury-Secretary-Janet-Yellen-(2)1713281138-0-270x192.webp)
Mansoor Ijaz has refused to record his statement in Pakistan, presumption of false accusation, according to law and practice, can be drawn against him, nevertheless, it appears from mood of the court that his right to testify will not be taken away and the commission will be gracious enough and will afford him opportunity enabling him to record his statement through some alternate means; there is nothing pleasant for Mr Haqqni so far. Sipah Salar has filed an affidavit with the supreme court, which is being given too much weight. This case will be recorded in the legal history of Pakistan,the Supreme court has taken cognisance upon an unsigned and unproven piece of writing and an article written by a man of dubious character and record.
@ayesha shaukat:
If you are going to be the court then we don't need "Azad Adliyya".
@ayesha shaukat:
What do you say to those who lost a whole man OBL? What about those responsible for defending Mehran base and GHQ? Don't be such selective; bigger things have happened without any repercussion.
Can I ask from this trolll of PTI , on whose orders Aabpara industry took Haqqani's passport away on his arrival, no court order at the time. Unfortunately its not rule of law but military rule prevails in this land of pure.
SC should get Ijaz's statement by videolink. That should wipe the smirk off Haqqani's face.
a man who can easilt lose his blackberry, does not hold the capacity to become a ambassador!
@M Mehmood: agreed whole heartedly
what a silly dialogue ?????If someone threaten to kill me or put me on ECL or in jail will i go to that country ever? ,No Never......You all guys dont talk rubbish here please put yourself in Ijaz mansoor shoes,then you understand.He is not mad or insane like you guys.Government is bullying Ijaz not to tell the truth.I will recommend that Commision should meet him in London or Zurich to get all evidences if they are sincere with country.But it dont look like to me .Bless Pakistan but not pakistanies.....
@Umer: Maybe you are happy playing with words but I prefer honesty. In this case haqqani has not done any favours to himself whatsoever. He is himself responsible for arousing suspicions. Also, you are conveniently ignoring DG ISI's and COAS' statement that the memo case is authentic and not fake. Of these 2, DG ISI has seen the evidence which MI has in his possession. Please open your eyes.
@Umer: please tell me as to why PPP government has suddenly remembered these things. Were they asleep before? Why are you trying to defend the indefensible?
@ DB, your point is valid. HH should be punished for having relationship with MI and not be trusted for future public appointment. With HH, those who trusted MI to bring down this government should also be puinshed. Why did they trust a joker to bring down this government. After four years of this government's plunder and destruction, if we need people like MI, then God save us.
@Ashar:
I have been to court. I am defending the legal principle; you seem to have something personal against Haqani.
@hello: MI has already given his consent but BB needs permission of both parties apparently.
@Umer: Have you ever attended a court hearing or an employment tribunal hearing? I have so I know what I am talking about. Besides, why are you defending a person who has refused point blank to share evidence with the court. BB company requires consent of both parties to release data. If there is nothing to be disclosed why do you think Haqqani is not giving his authority to BB company? If Haqqani is innocent, then the authority to expose BB would expose Mansoor Ijaz. I am sure you can read between the lines as well.
i see that question of why haqqani is not releasing his bbm data to commision is coming up. when you are accused of something the ones of prove does not lie with you. why doesnt govt asks for mansoor ijaz bbm data from rim and ask ijaz to suuport the request. they wont do it because the aim of all this is to remove he ppp govt so that military can get more sugar mills, perol pumps and plots on public land. i know ppp govt is corrupt but so was the govt before that so will be govt that will come military or otherwise. at least if this ppp completes its term or sent legally out by the parliment they have to then answer to US the people. believe me they do have to ask for votes.
@Ashar:
No. Better check with lawyer. Innocent until proven guilty is the rule. Anyone who makes the accusation provides the proof. If Ijaz is making accusation, as is the case, then it’s him who needs to prove it too.
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: A very childish comment on your part. Would you go to a foreign country when you are being threatened with detention and having your name placed on an exit control list? What is wrong with you?
@Umer: With all due respect, evidence has to be presented by both sides in a court of law when accusations are made. Mansoor Ijaz has agreed to give his PIN but Haqqani has refused to do the same. On top of that he has also misplaced his phones (which I am sure will be miraculously recovered should the case go in his favour). Please wake up and smell the coffee. Haqqani is trying to hide something.
Look who found his voice... Name any other accused who stays in luxury at the prime minister house...
Mr Haqqani still haven't given RIM BlackBerry a written permission to release his data. Why ? Lol
@Sehr.Siddiqui: but real govt is supporting it with heart unless....they got....
@Anonymous:
like mush and his colleagues there will be a long list
@Sehr.Siddiqui:
All these are legal steps and that is quiet fine, as it is government’s job to enforce law. If Mansoor Ijaz has committed a crime then he has to be answerable to it and pay for it like the rest of us. Let's not make him above the law. Do not be too impressed with the black gora to give him the immunity that the rest of us do not have.
@Shahid Malik: If Mansoor Ijaz is enemy of Pakistan why was Haqqani exchanging messages with this declared enemy?
The PIN should not be handed over by Hussain Haqqani, Had it been me, i would have also not as that would give access to many things that are of personal and family nature, which need to be private. Moreso, what guarantee can i be given that the personal information is safe. People demand the PIN as if it is a basis to proved him guilty or otherwise. Ijaz, all of Pakistan knew would never come, cz he previously, has spoken against the army, the OBL episode and a lot and can be implicated in many cases, he is a coward. His father was a Pakistani, he should owe a lot to this country, even if he is arrested in Pakistan on a false case that would be as service from him to this nation as truth will triumph.
@Mirza: Just see the statements issued by Rehman Baba, threat of putting Mansoor Ijaz on ECL(Ministry of Interior has this authority of putting some one on ECL),Raja Riaz threatening to go to court,Rehman Malik again threatening that Mansoor will not be allowed to leave country with out appearing before Parliamentry Committee. Please be honest and tell me that would you dare come to a country where entire Government machinery is hostile. I would not come if I were in his place. remember Salman Taseer had all the security with him. What happened ?
@ Azmat, please know the basics of justice system. Accuser must be physically present in front of a judge. If we allow this precedent to hold, then anyone sitting abroad would be accusing anyone of us. Would you like that scenario for yourself. MI is an accuser, not a witness. During trial, face expressions, body language, face sweat and dozens of other signs are noticed by judges and lawyers. Those who suggest video conference, should watch Law and Order. Its very good TV show for beginners.
@Anonymous:
I accuse you of treason. Now prove your innocence.
The PCO SC and its judges should bring the court to Mansoor Ijaz like the American king or master. MI does not trust the assurances of the court, Pakistani govt, army and ISI, yet he wants to record his statement? Is there any example that the high judiciary went to this extent for "a single witness"? The judges should be fair, and just and should appear to be that way not a party. This does not pass the smell test.
How do you cross examine a written statement?
@ Hafiz Shah Ali, Burden of Proof lies on MI and his Mentors. Why Haqqani should come forward to provide proofs against himself? Please don't change basics of justice. If someone blames me of raping someone. Is it my duty to bring DNA report?
@Naveed:
If court thinks he is doing wrong it can make judgement. Don’t get ahead of the court. Do you have something personal against Haqani?
@Truth: "Why are you afraid Mr.Haqqani ?"
Why should Haqqani waive the right to cross-examine Ejaz? If there is just a recording, Ejaz can say whatever he wants without being cross-examined. As someone who came to PAkistan without any such security assurances and has been put on ECL without anything being proved against him - why should he waive the right to have his lawyer cross-examine Mansoor Ejaz? That is what a recording would accomplish after all.
I am trying to give Haqqani and the government as much benefit of the doubt as possible, but as events continue to unfold their conduct has become very, very suspicious. What in the God's name are theytrying to hide? If this is as frivolous a matter as they claim, why not make every effort to have it come to a close as soon as possible, rather than hindering the inquiry by all possible means. By doing so, they seem to have already lost the case as far as public opinion is concerned.
@Umer .....deliberately hiding the PIn or reporting that the BBM are missing, are attempts to undermine court's efforts to seek the truth. if he holds the possession of the BBM and the PIN and is deliberately not giving in ....not only is he committing a crime but also strengthening the fact that he has actually got "something" to hide.
y are we so bothered with this lame matter, and it is just that. we need to focus on improving our economy, governance, education, health rather than waste time on these conspiracies which are being hatched by you-know-who !
@Uza Syed: Why the whole government disseminated messages that Mansoor Ijaz (the key witness) will be visiting Pakistan at his own risk & responsibility if Haqqani & his masters are so honest?
Why his right should be taken away ???
Ambassador Haqqani is a good Pakistani, an honourable man, a patriot and principled man. He resigned so that impartial inquiries can be made, his resignation on principles is a rarity in Pakistan and I wish his enemies also show grace and resign from their positions of power and answer some harsh questions.
Mansoor Ijaz is an enemy of Pakistan. Haqqani is a patriotic Pakistani. His only crime is to believe in & express support for civilian supremacy in Pakistan.
Haqqani should have waited more in issuing this statement to press, NOT A RIGHT TIME HAQQANI
Its sad but HH how long u would be protected behind PM's house wall, one day you will face the music
@Hafiz Shah Ali:
Because Haqani does not need to prove his innocence under the law, its the court or commission that needs to prove Haqani's guilt. It’s not a village punchayyat you know.
Haqqani is Right
HAHAHA now that's funny.
Why are you afraid Mr.Haqqani ?
Mr Haqqani; why do you not turn over the PIN of your Blackberry to the Commission and write to RIM to provide data to the Commission.This is not a trivial matter but a matter of grave concern.
Let justice be done.
Manzoor Ijaz not coming to Pakistan has put a smile on Haqqani face.