ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday observed that some benchmarks with regard to corruption should be maintained in the society, saying presently the UAE was also on the FATF Gray List owing to weak laws on money laundering
Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial made the observation during hearing of a petition filed by former prime minister Imran Khan, challenging amendments to the National Accountability (NAB) Ordinance by the government.
A three-member SC bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, is comprised of Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah.
During the course of proceedings, petitioner’s counsel Khawaja Haris submitted references of the anti-corruption conventions of the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union. Upon this, the Chief Justice asked Kh Haris to talk on fundamental rights in the case.
Kh Haris replied that corruption affected the basic rights and the rights of fair trial and equality. Justice Ijaz said the misuse of public money also affected people’s confidence.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said the counsel’s contentions were good and the PTI should debate on these laws in the parliament.
Kh Haris said that no one was hearing in the parliament, they were doing what they want to do. Justice Mansoor said that one should be in the parliament for hearing. He said that the political party could bring its amendments if win elections. Kh Haris said that every country of the world talking about strict laws and punishments over corruption.
Upon this, the Chief Justice said “Kh Haris thinks that it will be difficult to catch those who have been acquitted.” The counsel said that Swiss Accounts case record vanished after winding up of the case. He said that the accused had also been acquitted in NAB cases due to absence of the original documents. Ishaq Dar could not return if the Article 31-A was not deleted,” he added.
Justice Ijaz asked could people afford it as a nation that petitions were daily being filed for acquittal. Justice Mansoor said that people would not vote, if someone did it. He asked should the court stop the Parliament from bringing amendments. He said that the whole system was being paralyzed.
Justice Ijaz asked if the courts’ rulings would end with the deletion of amendments. Kh Haris said that the Supreme Court could restore the laws.
Subsequently, hearing of the case was adjourned till Thursday (today).
