Memogate scandal: Haqqani seeks exemption from appearance in SC
Former ambassador’s life at risk in Pakistan, his counsel says.
ISLAMABAD:
Former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani has forwarded an application seeking review of the Supreme Court‘s earlier order that obligated him to appear in person before the court in the Memogate scandal case.
Asma Jahangir, Haqqani’s counsel, has filed the application requesting the apex court to reconsider summoning Haqqani in person. She said her client was threatened by powerful forces within Pakistan, who do not hold any official authority in the country.
“At this stage, the physical presence of the respondent is not required. It is enormously risky for Haqqani to attend the hearing in person. Security of his life outweighs the requirement of him being physically present at the hearing,” she vehemently argued.
She requested the court to reconsider the order as under the jurisdiction of the criminal procedure code or the civil procedure code his physical presence was not mandatory.
A new job
Meanwhile, the former ambassador has joined a private government relations and lobbying firm Cassidy & Associates as a senior advisor in the US.
A press release issued by Cassidy & Associates stated that Haqqani’s appointment is a significant step in ensuring “the firm’s clients are protected and connected around the world.”
(Additional reporting by Huma Imtiaz from Washington)
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2012.
contempt law.
In order to discuss this further, the court adjourned the hearing till July 31, 2012.
JIT issues fresh notices to Riaz
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has issued fresh notices to Riaz to appear before investigators probing the Dr Arsalan fiasco, according to an official statement.
The businessman requested NAB’s Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for a fresh date of appearance, sometime next week.
Hence, NAB issued a new summon for his appearance on July 19 (Thursday), added the statement.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2012.
Former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani has forwarded an application seeking review of the Supreme Court‘s earlier order that obligated him to appear in person before the court in the Memogate scandal case.
Asma Jahangir, Haqqani’s counsel, has filed the application requesting the apex court to reconsider summoning Haqqani in person. She said her client was threatened by powerful forces within Pakistan, who do not hold any official authority in the country.
“At this stage, the physical presence of the respondent is not required. It is enormously risky for Haqqani to attend the hearing in person. Security of his life outweighs the requirement of him being physically present at the hearing,” she vehemently argued.
She requested the court to reconsider the order as under the jurisdiction of the criminal procedure code or the civil procedure code his physical presence was not mandatory.
A new job
Meanwhile, the former ambassador has joined a private government relations and lobbying firm Cassidy & Associates as a senior advisor in the US.
A press release issued by Cassidy & Associates stated that Haqqani’s appointment is a significant step in ensuring “the firm’s clients are protected and connected around the world.”
(Additional reporting by Huma Imtiaz from Washington)
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2012.
contempt law.
In order to discuss this further, the court adjourned the hearing till July 31, 2012.
JIT issues fresh notices to Riaz
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has issued fresh notices to Riaz to appear before investigators probing the Dr Arsalan fiasco, according to an official statement.
The businessman requested NAB’s Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for a fresh date of appearance, sometime next week.
Hence, NAB issued a new summon for his appearance on July 19 (Thursday), added the statement.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2012.