Steel Mills case: In meek apology, Malik regrets probe interference

Tells SC he was only trying to widen scope of inquiry

RAWALPINDI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday appeared before the Supreme Court of Pakistan and tendered an unconditional apology for interfering in the Pakistan Steel Mills investigations.

In a civil miscellaneous application, the federal minister said he “never intended to interfere in the judicial proceedings, but was attempting to widen the scope of the inquiry already being conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)”.

A three-member bench noted that Interior Minister Rehman Malik had interfered in the case by transferring FIA DG Tariq Khosa in December 2009 in its May 16 judgment last year on Pakistan Steel Mills.

Khosa was heading the team investigating corruption in the Steel Mills. As the team began to make progress in the probe, Khosa was transferred.

The court noted that even though the FIA continued investigations, instead of nabbing the real culprits, team members were protecting them.

In the application, Malik maintained that he had always placed the judiciary, including the apex court, in high esteem and never intended to undermine its dignity and respect and had no intentions to do so in the future.

Malik then tendered an unconditional apology for any inconvenience caused and placed himself at the mercy of the court.

“The apology so tendered may kindly be accepted and the show cause notice be withdrawn,” the federal minister pleaded.

During the hearing, Malik, appearing personally before the bench, said he wanted to argue his case himself as his counsel had failed to explain things appropriately. The court said that his case would be taken up after March 16.

Speaking to the media at the premises of the Supreme Court, Malik said he has always respected the courts and would continue to do so in future. “I was trying to enhance the scope of investigations by taking this step,” he said.

“I initiated the investigation because the National Assembly told me to provide details. I presented myself to the Supreme Court because I want to gain respect and not embarrassment,” said Malik.