Ombudsman’s ambit: LHC seeks advocate general’s views

LAHORE:

Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi of the Lahore High Court on Tuesday directed the advocate general to assist the court on November 22 a petition challenging the ambit of the provincial ombudsman.

Petitioner Zarqa Khan has challenged the ombudsman’s orders to the police in a case against her husband.

At Tuesday’s hearing, amicus curie Advocate Umar Sharif argued that the ombudsman could interfere in any matter pending before any court of law, but not in the matters regarding pensions and services of government employees.

Khan had submitted that the ombudsman had summoned an investigation officer and issued him directions in a case against her husband. She argued that the ombudsman was not allowed to do so. The court has issued a stay order barring the ombudsman from interfering in the investigation.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2013.