Memogate: Decision pending on forensic verification of Ijaz's electronic devices

Counsels conclude argument as Ijaz extends another offer for Commission to examine his phone, computer in London.

ISLAMABAD: After the Commission completes proceedings today, it will issue a decision on whether forensic reports of electronic messages on Mansoor Ijaz’s devices was necessary or not, even as Ijaz made one last offer to the commission to have his equipment examined by a commission official in London, Experss News reported late on Friday evening.

The Judicial Commission, which had been tasked by the Supreme Court to probe the Memogate scandal, whether Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US had either directed or dictated a memo with controversial contents , saw all the counsels wrap up their arguments on Friday.

Husain Haqqani's counsel Zahid Bukhari summed up his arguments where he told the court that Ijaz was of dubious character, who has not been able to back up his statements with proof. He added that Haqqani had not been kicked out nor forced to resign, instead he offered his resignation voluntarily.

The counsel added that according to the statement submitted by former US national security adviser General (r) James Jones, Mansoor Ijaz did not mention Haqqani even once.

Ijaz did not even appear before the parliamentary committee while Haqqani has denied having any connection with the memo, Bukhari maintained.

Bukhari added that he is appearing before the Memogate judicial commission for the last time on Friday owing to his personal commitments.

“As you wish,” replied Justice Faez Esa, the commissions head.

Justice Esa ordered his assistant to contact Ijaz’s lawyer, Akram Sheikh asking him to present Ijaz’s BlackBerry sets to the commission.

Mansoor Ijaz, through his counsel said that he was ready to present his BlackBerry handset and computer to the secretary of the commission for inspection, however, any inspection will take place in London.

Earlier, Akram Sheikh and the Deputy Attorney General had already completed their arguments.

The Commission observed that only after a decision is taken on the forensic reports will its findings be filed to the Supreme Court.