Landline phone, will call via WhatsApp, name Bilal Rasool for JIT

SECP chairman’s letter to SC registrar reveals WhatsApp call confusion

ISLAMABAD: On April 28, 2017, Chairman Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Zafar Hijazi wrote a letter to Registrar Supreme Court Arbab Muhammad Arif and the issue discussed was the “WhatsApp” call and the JIT.

The letter gives details of how by using iPhone application the SECP chairman was conveyed, “the directions are that the name of Mr. Bilal Rasool should be included in the new panel."

The letter reveals that initially the Registrar SC spoke to the chairman SECP from his official number on the issue of JIT constitution but before concluding told the chairman that he wants to immediately talk to the latter using WhatsApp. The chairman immediately did receive a call which was initially considered a WhatsApp call from a US number but later found iPhone's FaceTime call.

On April 29, the chairman SECP clarified to the SC Registrar through a "corrigendum" that on scrutiny of phone it transpired that the call was in fact made from iPhone application instead of WhatsApp application. The number used was 03468887777.

The letter having subject -- “Constitutional Petition Nos. 29-30 of 2016 and Constitutional Petition No. 3 of 2017 -- Imran Khan Niazi and others vs Mian Nawaz Sharif and others” -- reads as:

“Dear Arbab Muhammad Arif Sahib -- Assalam-o-Alaikim,

I refer to your letter dated April 27, 2017 in response to SECP’s letter No. SECP/CP 29-30/ dated April 26, 2017 on the subject matter, I have been directed to furnish two more names in connection with constitution of JIT.

In pursuance thereof, I am pleased to recommend two more suitable officers of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) for gracious consideration and approval of the Honourable Bench to be selected as a nominee of the SECP in the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), as deemed appropriate and fit by the lordships.

i. Mr Ali Azeem Ikram -- Executive Dir

ii. Mr Yasir Manzoor -- Director

2. It is pertinent to mention here that while I was in the process of selection of further two names for complying the written directions, my staff officer informed me about the telephonic message from your side, desiring to speak on phone.

3. Subsequently, on my request, my staff officer connected you on your given landline number 051-9213770 and you required confirmation regarding receipt of subject letter through fax, which was confirmed. Further, you also conveyed that you would speak on WhatsApp (a messenger application), shortly. Immediately thereafter, I received a call on WhatsAPP wherein the caller said, “the directions are that the name of Mr. Bilal Rasool should be included in the new panel”.

4. Later, I noticed that the cell number from which WhatsAPP call was received, was a USA No. 001-412330826 and further that the date and time of receiving the call was 11:48 pm and date was 25th April, 2017 whereas, in actual the time was around 4:45 pm and the date was 27th April, 2017.

5. This has raised a serious doubt in my mind. Since, I have no means to verify the veracity of the aforementioned call, I am not considering it. However, I feel it is my duty to bring on record the aforementioned uncanny situation for information and record of the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan.

I again reiterate SECP’s commitment to extend fullest institutional support and assistance to the JIT, as and when required, within the confines of its regulatory ambit.

With regards

  Sd

Zafar Hijazi”.  

On April 29th, the chairman SECP issued a corrigendum addressed to Registrar SC to clarify:

"Please note that in para 3 & 4 of the aforementioned letter there is a reference of 'WhatsAPP' call made to the undersigned. However, on scrutiny of phone it transpires that the call was in fact made from iPhone application 'FaceTime' having number +923468887777 (at 4:44pm. yesterday) instead of 'WhatsApp' application. Accordingly para 3 & 4 of SECP's letter dated April 28, 2017 may be read as such with the aforestated correction. Contents of the rest of paras of SECP's letter dated April 28, 2017 are reiterated. (Copy of screen shot of the mentioned incoming FaceTime audio call is attached)." 

 

       

No comments: SC registrar

ISLAMABAD: When Geo News correspondent asked the Supreme Court registrar Tuesday about the reported WhatsApp call, he said "no comments, let me do my job."