Hussain Haqqani summoned in memogate case
Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 4:46:03 by Tahir Khan
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday ordered the federal government to bring former ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani back to Pakistan in four weeks in the famous memogate case.
Husain Haqani was implicated in a scandal in which he allegedly had a memo delivered through Mansoor Ijaz to top US Admiral Mike Mullen offering greater cooperation against the Pakistan military in the aftermath of the Abbottabad raid on May 2, 2011.
However, Haqqani denied any such involvement and resigned in protest.
A nine-judge larger bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry issued the order while hearing the case.
Haqqani should appear before the court or the federal government can proceed with the trial on the basis of references provided by the commission, said Justice Asif Khosa.
Haqqani, the prime character of the memogate case, said that his opponents have come in power, but his argument was rejected by the court.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that only law will have power over everything, it doesn’t matter whether someone is president or prime minister.
During the proceedings, counsel of former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani, Asma Jahangir told the bench that she could not contact her client while her client has security concerns.
She further said that her client is afraid as the applicant has become the prime minister. Replying to this, the chief justice remarked that no matter who ever becomes the prime minister, it does not make any difference. No one will be allowed to exploit any one. He is innocent as long as the charges are not proved, he said.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, then, ordered the government to ensure Haqqani’s presence and to adopt all the constitutional and legal procedures to facilitate his appearance.
At the occasion, Asma Jahangir told the court that her client is afraid despite her efforts to subside his fears. On this, the court remarked that Husain Haqqani had earlier assured of his presence in today’s hearing.
Chief Justice said that he is not an accused and that the Constitution and law protects the fundamental rights of the citizens. He further said that the court is extra cautious about the case and affirmed that no one can be abused in the presence of Supreme Court, bar and civil society.
The court adjourned the hearing for four weeks.
Tags: Hussain Haqqani, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Mansoor Ijaz, Memogate, Supreme Court of Pakistan
Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=40484
Posted by Tahir Khan
on Jun 4 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan.
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I think CJ should now stop hunting PPP leaders. All know that this case is only a bluff. There are many other important cases in millions. People are no longer interested in fabricated cases. It would suit the CJ well if he actually delivered instead of just promising to deliver. Along with Memogate Supreme Court should also talk about Arslan Iftikhar case that involved money of poor people rather than memo which at least had no effect on the economy of the country.