AGP’s disqualification: Five witnesses record testimonies in-camera

The remaining 11 witnesses are likely to depose on Jan 23

ISLAMABAD: Five witnesses recorded their testimonies in-camera against Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) Akhtar Buland Rana in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Monday.

The allegations against the AGP Rana are that he had withdrawn from the exchequer Rs4.62 million in excess salary and privileges in violation of the standard rules and regulations.

The five-member SJC, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk including two senior most judges of the Supreme Court (SC) and two other senior chief justices of the high courts, resumed the hearing of the reference filed by the National Assembly (NA) secretariat against Rana.

During the hearing, Rana Zahid, counsel for the AGP, raised objections over the media reporting about the SJC’s in-camera proceedings in this matter.

The hearing of the case is adjourned until January 23, when the remaining 11 witnesses are expected to record their statements.

The National Assembly had filed a complaint in the wake of the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) sub-panel recommendation for disqualification of Rana as auditor general. It is the first time in the country’s history that a petition has been filed in the SJC which seeks the AGP’s disqualification.

Already the council has framed the charge of abuse of power and financial impropriation for personal benefit against AGP Rana. Additional Attorney General Afnan Kundi and Waqar Rana appeared on behalf of the PAC.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2015.