Suddle Commission: SC reserves judgment over Malik Riaz’s objections

Supreme Court hears the review petition on Suddle Commission.

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment over Malik Riaz’s objections to appear before the commission headed by Shoaib Suddle as directed by the court on August 30.

The commission is to probe allegations against the real estate magnate and the chief justice’s son Arsalan Iftikhar of cutting illegitimate real estate deals in exchange for kickbacks.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja heard the petition filed by Riaz’s counsel Zahid Bukhari, who raised objections over the constitution of the bench. Bukhari maintained that the same bench which had passed the August 30 judgment should have heard this petition.

Earlier, Riaz demanded an independent commission, saying Suddle had personal ties with the chief justice and thus, shouldn’t be allowed to investigate the case.

Arsalan Iftikhar’s counsel Sardar Ishaq, however, accused Riaz of using delaying tactics for not appearing before the Shoaib Suddle commission. The court has decided to reveal its judgment later.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2012.