ISLAMABAD: While hearing the case pertaining to a decade-old petition filed by Air Marshal (retd) Asghar Khan, the Supreme Court once again summoned the report of formation of the ISI’s political cell and directed the defence and interior secretaries to submit their responses, DawnNews reported Thursday.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, heading a three-member bench, has been hearing the petition by Khan, who accused the ISI of 1996 petition filed by Khan who accused the ISI of financing politicians in the 1990 elections by dishing out Rs140 million to create the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) and prevent Benazir Bhutto’s PPP from winning the polls.
The petition was based on an affidavit of former ISI chief Lt-Gen (retd) Asad Durrani.
Attorney General Irfan Qadir informed the court that the notification enabling the formation of the political cell was not available.
The petitioner’s counsel Salman Akram Raja failed to appear for the hearing on account of ill health, Raja’s advocate-on-record informed the court. Raja had requested the court to adjourn the hearing.
Justice Chaudhry responded saying that the case was significant and its hearings were crucial, however, due to the counsel’s absence, the hearing was adjourned to October 3.
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When the court has the lists and names of the recipients with receipts and confession from the then ISI chief and the banker then what is the problem? This crime was committed in early 1990′s and it is a proven fact that it was to steal the elections from PPP and to help its opponents. Does it matter who started the political wing and when? If there is no notification found then the corrupt would live happily thereafter. The irony is those who are and were corrupt are behaving like angels and call the victim of their corruption PPP as corrupt! All the names mentioned are rightwing leaders who have close relationship with the PCO SC judges and helped their restoration. This case would keep dragging till Asghar Khan passes away. This editorial is neither fair nor balanced. The SC barely making any real progress except the populist politics. None of the culprits have been called who have received money and worked against democracy. It also proves how difficult it is to for the secular parties in Pakistan to win any election.
@Karim:
Government would never produce it as it never existed. Who said there ever was a memo for the creation of the political cell. Summon him and ask him to produce. CJ should start looking at the facts brought before him instead of wasting time in goose chases based in rumors.
Beating around the bush, after Arsalan case we knew who the judges are? not much different than politicians and army.
i think PPP will never produce it in the court as their leader is the creator of this cell.
why not daily hearing...... we are not fool... we know the intentions of Justice Mafia!!!
Beatle! I mean really man? All you can see is the politicians? The deep state had the biggest role in this and yet people like you dont see that. Its only this ignorance that has helped the Pakistan commercial army to flourish while all other institutions, economy and the state is going down.
Prolong the case for false reasons till the petetioner passes away. Nice and legal way to favour some of the favourite polticians.