Demands for ex-CJ Nisar to be held to account increase.
Nawaz calls for an investigation into an alleged audio leak, and the speaker of the National Assembly sets up a committee.
Screenshot of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing reporters in London on March 31, 2023, taken by Our Correspondent.
On March 31, 2023, former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif held a news conference in London. SCREENGRAB ISLAMABAD:
On Wednesday, PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif added his voice to the chorus of those who want to see former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar punished for his alleged judicial misdeeds.
Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf of the National Assembly has formed a committee to look into the rumoured audio leak involving former chief justice’s son Najam Saqib.
More than three years after his retirement, the former top judge has found himself drawn into the political maelstrom as he faces constant criticism from the PML-N high brass, which accuses him of supporting the PTI and its chairman.
The three-time prime minister remarked, “Action should be taken against Saqib Nisar,” in answer to a query from a reporter outside Stanhope House. He broke the rules and disregarded the Constitution. People who do the same thing get locked up.
A judicial case against Saqib Nisar for “selling electoral tickets” is something Nawaz has urged should be pursued.
He went on to say that the ex-CJP should be sentenced to prison just as others who had broken the law and the Constitution. The former prime minister went on to say that Nisar perpetrated several crimes while in power. His comments against Nisar’s treatment of Pakistan amounted to a “unforgivable” crime, he said.
The PML-N chief made reference to a televised interview with retired court Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, in which he said that Nisar was a member of a gang working against democracy.
The Sharif camp has lately been attacking former CJP Nisar after an audio tape of his son allegedly collecting money in exchange for the award of PTI tickets was released online.
Najam was allegedly overheard discussing with two others the possibility of accepting less than “120” in return for a ticket in an audio leak that surfaced last week.
Meanwhile, a notice was issued by the National Assembly secretariat appointing Aslam Bhootani as the committee’s chairman.
In addition to Shahida Akhtar Ali and Muhammad Abu Bakr, the committee also includes Chaudhry Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Sheikh Rohale Asghar, Syed Hussain Tariq, Naz Baloch, Khalid Hussain Magsi, Wajiha Qamar, Dr. Muhammad Afzal Khan Dhandla, and Wajiha Qamar.
The committee will undertake a “in-depth investigation” and report its findings to the NA. The Committee has the authority to request assistance from any appropriate investigating body.
