ISLAMABAD, August 25 (Online): Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved judgment on the petition filed against appointment of Mirza Shazad Akbar Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on accountability.
The case was heard by the Chief Justice (CJ) IHC Athar Minallah Tuesday.
Aman Ullah Kinrani appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner Pervez Khurshid. He contended that Shazad Akbar was appointed as SAPM for interior and accountability in the month of July. NAB is an independent institution and it is not under the subordination of any one.
CJ remarked now what has happened such thing which has given rise to apprehension that he is interfering in NAB. This court has made it clear that Shazad Akbar cannot exercise the powers of federal government that he is not a government.
The counsel for petitioner said accountability has been kept isolated from anti corruption laws.
CJ remarked some one’s interference is not proved by merely giving it a name.
The counsel for petitioner said appointing non elected representatives runs contrary to the constitution and rules of National Assembly (NA).
CJ IHC remarked Prime Minister (PM) can appoint any one as advisor constitutionally.
The counsel said Shazad Akbar is member of federal cabinet.
The CJ IHC remarked he cannot be part of federal cabinet. We have already written this in sugar mills verdict.
The counsel said he gave reply in NA a day before despite the federal minister was present therein.
CJ remarked PM is answerable to parliament. We should strengthen parliament. If there is any issue of rule of law then is it not better that you should take it up with your bar councils. Lack of governance and non -implementation of laws give rise to certain issues. Should we not give this time to general clients rather than spending it in the matters like this.
CJ inquired did he interfere in the matters of chairman NAB. Did the FIA interfere. But you have not kept before us such things.
The counsel said it is circulating since the last two days who has set free Nawaz Sharif. I have come here due to Sindh High Court decision.
CJ remarked if PM has not appointed a competent person as his advisor then it is his discretion. We observe for you that NAB is an independent institution. No one can interfere therein.
The court reserved judgment on maintainability of the petition.
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