Memogate: SC tells Asma to brief interior secretary on Haqqani's security arrangements

CJ tells interior secretary to submit report to SC's Registrar two weeks before hearing about security arrangements.

ISLAMABAD: Hearing the Memogate case on Tuesday, the Supreme Court directed Asma Jehangir to guide the interior secretary as to what kind of security was required by her client, former envoy to the United States Husain Haqqani, Express News reported.

Briefing the judicial bench regarding Haqqani, Jehangir said that her client wanted to come to Pakistan, but was apprehensive due to the ongoing security situation of the country.

“Haqqani’s homecoming would be as if the prey throws himself before the hunters.”

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that one should not remark regarding the security situation of Pakistan, while staying in a foreign country. He further said that it was not like no one was given protection in Pakistan.

While conveying Haqqani’s reservations regarding his security, Jehangir said that the former envoy had asked why the state was “playing innocent” over providing him protection.

The chief justice directed the interior secretary to submit a report to the Registrar of the Supreme Court two weeks prior to the next hearing, confirming the security arrangements.

The court said that it will resume hearing in the month of January, however, did not give any date.

During Monday's hearing, the Supreme Court was displeased when former Haqqani defied its orders and did not appear before the court.

The chief justice said that Haqqani had left on a four-day notice after reassuring in writing that he would return.

Haqqani had earlier forwarded an application seeking review of the Supreme Court‘s earlier order that obligated him to appear in person.