SC suspends Irfan Qadir’s practising licence

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Thursday suspended the law practicing licence of former attorney general Irfan Qadir for not complying with its order.
The court issued him show cause notice asking him to explain on the next date of hearing as to why his law practicing licence may not be cancelled for not complying with its order.
A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja heard the petition filed by Mahmood Akhtar Naqvi challenging the Sindh government’s decision to purchase armoured personal carriers (APCs) worth Rs1.23 billion for Sindh Police to fight terrorism in Karachi.
The court also sought from IG Sindh details pertaining to payment of fees to Irfan Qadir with further direction to explain as to who paid the fees to Irfan Qadir.The IG Sindh earlier told the court that Rs3 million as fees was agreed upon of which Rs2 million has been paid to Irfan Qadir.
On last hearing, the court had directed Irfan Qadir to ensure his appearance before the court and explain his position over his representation on behalf of the Sindh Police. The court had observed as to how Irfan Qadir was representing the IGP Sindh whereas the Sindh government is already represented by Farooq H Naek.
The court had further observed that no Wakalat Nama was filed whereby Irfan Qadir was authorised to appear in this case. The court had directed its office to find out from the Karachi Registry as to whether any advocate on record has filed a Wakalat Nama, authorising Irfan Qadir to appear before the court in the instant case.
The court ruled that on inquiring, the court was informed that no such instruction was issued.The court had shown concerns as to how and on what basis Irfan Qadir has been appearing in this case from last 11 hearings. The court had asked additional advocate general Sindh to inquire as from which department, fees for Irfan Qadir was paid. The additional advocate general however, sought time to get hold of such information.
The court had also directed its office to send the copy of the order to Irfan Qadir to appear before the court on Wednesday for submitting explanation of remarks he made earlier before the bench.
On Thursday, Irfan Qadir instead of giving explanation, expressed dissatisfaction over the bench, saying that he does not trust this court and Justice Jawwad S Khawaja.“I respect Justice Jawwad S Khawaja but I don’t know why he is so harsh with me,” Irfan Qadir said.
He further said the chief minister Sindh had given approval of the Sindh police deal for purchasing armoured personal carriers adding that both the chief minister Sindh and IG Police are not answerable to any court.
“The court had pressurised Farooq H Naek for a favourable statement,” Irfan said, adding that the court did not raise objection over the Wakalat Nama of Farooq Naek but only he was targeted.
When the court ordered the suspension of Irfan Qadir’s licence, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, who was present in the courtroom, stood and said that without hearing Irfan Qadir his licence should not be suspended and it will be too harsh.
The court however observed that if Aitzaz has any objection, he should appear before the court as counsel for Irfan Qadir and argue the case. Meanwhile, the court issued show cause notice to Irfan Qadir, asking him to explain on the next date of hearing as to why his law practicing licence may not be revoked for not complying with its order and adjourned the hearing till second week of April.