Sale of APCs: SC suspends licence of ex-AG Irfan Qadir

Licence for practicing law suspended over his behaviour

ISLAMABAD:

A three-judge bench of the apex court suspended former attorney general Irfan Qadir’s licence for practicing law over his behaviour, as well as his appearance, as counsel for the Sindh government in a matter related to the purchase of armoured personnel carriers worth Rs1.23 billion by Sindh police from a Serbian company.

The bench, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawja, issued a show cause notice to Irfan Qadir and asked him to explain why his licence should not be permanently cancelled for not complying with its order.

Unpleasant words were exchanged between Qadir and Justice Khawaja during the hearing. The latest exchange was reminiscent of their fiery encounters during the Arsalan Iftikhar case and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif disqualification.

The court had directed Qadir to ensure his appearance before the court and explain his position over his representation on behalf of the Sindh police without the power of attorney.  The court expressed surprise as to how Qadir could represent the IGP Sindh when Farooq H Naek was already representing the Sindh government.

The court had also directed its office to find out from the Karachi registry branch as to whether any advocate on record has filed a power of attorney, authorising Irfan Qadir to appear before the court in the case. Upon inquiring, the court was informed that no such instruction was issued.

The court had shown concern as to how and on what basis, Qadir has been appearing in this case in the last 11 hearings. The court had asked Additional Advocate General (AAG) Sindh to inquire as from which department, fees for Irfan Qadir was paid. They learnt that the AAG, however, sought time to get hold of such information.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2015.