Pakistani Chief Justice (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday took the suo motu notice of “disturbing” by “authorities” in investigating and prosecuting criminal matters for government officials.
According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court, the CJP took notice at the suggestion of another high court judge about “detection of a violation of the prosecution’s independence in the performance of its powers and its investigative and prosecuting functions.
The press added that such interventions could lead to prosecution of cases, which lead to the destruction or disappearance of evidence in the courts or to the handling of prosecuting agencies and lead to the transfer and re-appointment of officials.
The media reported that such actions, along with “news reports” about changes in accountability laws, are likely to “undermine” the functioning of the country’s justice system.
“That is tantamount to violating fundamental human rights which are affecting society at large and deteriorating [of] “People’s confidence in the rule of law and the constitution of the country,” he added.
It said the CJP would lead a five-member bench chairing the trial tomorrow (Thursday) at 1 p.m.
The SC publication did not indicate what “end-of-life crimes” referred to. However, the Federal Investigation Agency is currently pursuing a money laundering case against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Prime Minister Hamza Shehbaz.
The pair were due to be charged but the matter has been delayed since February. Last week, former FIA director Mohammad Rizwan, who was investigating the case, died of a heart attack.
Rizwan took a long leave shortly before the formation of the PMLN-led coalition government and was later transferred to the FIA Lahore director’s office last month. His name was also on the non-flying list.
PTI chairman Imran Khan recently accused CM Hamza of “intimidating” Rizwan because he was “under a lot of pressure” and died as a result. Imran has claimed that FIA officials have been evacuated or intimidated since the new government took office.
Last week, reports emerged that the FIA had withdrawn its case against Shehbaz and Hamza. The FIA then released a media report rejecting the reports, saying “the case has not been dropped” and the court process is still ongoing.
The guard appointed a special prosecutor in the case on Friday.
It is also worth mentioning here that the key figures in the new coalition parties have called for the complete abolition of the National Accountability Agency (NAB) or for amendments to anti-corruption laws.
Last month, PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi called for the institution to be demolished and called for a response. Meanwhile, PPP chairman Asif Ali Zardari, last week, said a change in NAB rules was necessary before heading to the next general election.
On Tuesday, cabinet approved the amendment and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a committee to change the NAB’s “strict rule of law” to end political violence. Cabinet members were of the opinion that the “strict law” of NAB was used to make political victims and intimidate government officials and business people.
