Notice taken?: Chief justice seeks record of Zardari, Bilawal speeches

Court alerted of anti-judiciary speeches made on ZA Bhutto death anniversary

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has directed the relevant section of the Supreme Court to furnish before him records of speeches made last week by President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the occasion of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

The hard-hitting speeches in question openly cast doubts and criticised the judiciary in general and the Supreme Court in particular – particularly the one by the PPP’s young co-chairman during a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee in Naudero.

Sources said a note was submitted to the Chief Justice based on press clipping regarding the speeches, on which Justice Chaudhry directed the concerned section in the apex court to furnish a complete record before him.

Sources in the Supreme Court, however, said that it was a routine matter as the Chief Justice usually seeks more information about important issues when a file is put before him. However, on many occasions, such records serve as catalysts for suo motu notice on important issues.

Two PPP leaders – the prime minister himself as well as Senator Babar Awan – are already facing contempt proceedings.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2012.