Suspecting foul play: SC denies request to withdraw banned chemical case
The ANF had earlier filed a case against individuals involved in illegal importing of a banned chemical, allegedly used in preparation of cocaine. The premier’s son had also been summoned in the case earlier but he has not appeared before the investigation team yet.
At the hearing on Thursday, however, ANF’s Commander Brigadier Faheem said he wanted to withdraw the case.
The chief justice inquired why such an important case was being withdrawn.
Faheem replied that he was instructed by Secretary Narcotics Zafar Abbas to not proceed in any case involving [personal assistant to Ali Musa] Tauqeer Ali Khan, and a ‘political figure’ from Multan.
The chief justice asked who the ‘political figure’ being referred to is; Prime Minister’s son Ali Musa Gilani, Faheem replied.
“Is the secretary a prosecutor himself?” a visibly annoyed chief justice asked, instructing Faheem to bring the secretary’s letter at the next hearing.
Violation of rules
Divulging further, Faheem said Khan had played a major role in getting the quota for banned chemicals assigned to two companies – Multan-based Barlex Lab International and Denas Pharmaceutical.
The quota was granted in violation of rules since only 500 kilogrammes of the proscribed chemical can be imported but the two companies were allowed to import a much larger quantity amounting to Rs7 billion, he said.
Neither of the two companies were credible enough to be allotted such a large quota, Faheem said, adding that companies granted the quota have to submit a record of its consumption but neither of these two companies have done so either.
The court was also informed that FIRs have been registered against 10 people including former director-general health Rasheed Juma and Ali Musa’s personal assistant.
Investigation report
The issue was also brought up in the National Assembly when former health minister, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, said he would investigate the importing of the chemical in such large quantities, Faheem said.
An investigation committee was formed but its findings were neither tabled in the assembly nor were they implemented, he added.
Faheem said he procured the investigation report from the health ministry with much difficulty. The court asked him to bring the report, along with all other documents, as evidence at the next hearing.
The case was been adjourned until April 20.
COMMENTS (11)
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Does he have immunity? Can the Parliament grant him special immunity. Aitazaz Ahsan will be pleased to handle this case as well, provided both his hands are smeared in the grease. After all he is would be Pir and Gaddi Nashin..
How much more are these guys going to plunder Pakistan? Even if SC passes and order in this case, the govy will not abide by it.
Over the last four years SCP has not decided a single corruption case against the incumbent government.This case will also remain undecided & then elections...
Whether the case is withdrawn or not , NOTHING WILL COME HAPPEN AND GILLANI AND HIS COHORT WILL NOT BE ARRESTED
Come on..... Courts are just dummies in the hands of agencies. Who r agents of political powers..... The media should stopped releasing these kind of news to make us sad & feel shame as Pakistani.... Shame to have leaders like Zardari & Nawaz.. Both parties are in Govt since the death of Zia..... except the time of Musharaf. Have they done any favor to country or themselves. Their partner in this loot still with them MQM, ANP, JUI-F & so on.....
Courts are helpless and they will linger on matters until things become infructous. Courts are now testing the patience of people who are losoing faith in our legal system.
So much for democracy is the best revenge!
@Truth Teller: Their pockets are deeper than a well. They are Shahi Fakeers.
Sad, Pathetic & Repulsive! How much money do they need?