SC disposes Sindh govt's plea against ex-CM Arbab Rahim

Two-member bench observes no case pending against Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, and is free to enter the country.

KARACHI: Supreme Court of Pakistan disposed of Sindh Government's plea on Monday, which sought to appeal against Sindh High Court's order for not arresting former Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim upon his return to Pakistan.

Sindh Chief Secretary had moved a criminal appeal, stating that the SHC on February 21, 2012 had restrained Sindh government from arresting and providing security to Dr Rahim upon returning, either to attend Sindh Assembly proceedings or voting in the Senate elections.

Provincial Law Officer submitted that there was no case registered against Dr Rahim either by the Federal Government nor the Sindh Government, while there was no bar on his movement in the country.

It was prayed to grant leave to appeal.

A two-member SC bench, comprising Justice Sarmad Jalal and Justice Gulzar Ahmed, disposed of the appeal, observing that at the moment there was no case pending against the former Chief Minister and hence, he was free to enter the country. However, this would not bar the state from proceeding against him in accordance with the law in the future, if required.