IGP transfer case: Swati should step down if he regrets, says CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday observed that they would examine the Article 62(1)(f) in the case pertaining to Islamabad IGP transfer matter and Azam Swati's involvement in it adding that they had great respect for parliamentarians but a lawmaker should not misuse his power in this way.

Minister's lawyer Ali Zafar submitted that Mr Swati regretted his action. The CJP, however, said if he regretted, he should resign and leave his ministry. The Supreme Court on Friday constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the misconduct of Azam Swati as federal minister, influencing the transfer of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Islamabad, Jan Muhammad.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, resumed hearing into the suo motu case of transfer of the Islamabad IGP. The court constituted a three-member JIT comprising Ahmed Rizwan from Intelligence Bureau (IB), Mir Waiz from Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Irfan Mangi from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The court held that the JIT would be headed by the senior-most officials from the members with the direction to conduct an inquiry pertaining to the misconduct on the part of Azam Swati as federal minister besides probing his assets.

The court directed that the JIT would be required to submit its report within two weeks. The court constituted the JIT after rejecting the written apology of Federal Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati.

Barrister Ali Zafar while appearing before the court submitted an apology on behalf of the minister in the court. Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, however, rejected the apology and said that it would form a JIT to probe the transfer of the Islamabad Police chief.

The chief justice, while addressing Ali Zafar, said that the learned counsel represented every big client adding that he will cancel his licence. “For how long I should cancel your law practicing license?”, the CJP asked Zafar. “You can cancel it for months,” Zafar replied with a smile.

During the course of hearing, Jan Muhammad excused himself from performing duties as the Islamabad IGP, saying he cannot continue his work in view of the present circumstances and requested the court to grant permission for his transfer.

Meanwhile, in pursuance of the court’s earlier order, head of the affected family Niaz Muhammad, while appearing before the court, said that they have had a truce but being a poor man, he cannot tarnish the country’s image. The CJP, however, observed that this is not a matter of the country’s image.

The chief justice further said that the family might have forgiven but this is a crime against the state hence the court will get an inquiry conducted into the matter as such an action was taken by a powerful minister.

The chief justice further said they did not accept the pact made in front of a Jirga. Meanwhile, the court directed Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad to conduct an inquiry into the fight and file whatever case is formed.