SC seeks reply on bullet-proof car given to ex-CJP

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Tuesday sought a reply from the Law Ministry on the issue of bulletproof car provided to former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, heard the petition filed by advocate Hanif Rai. The petitioner challenged the provision of a bulletproof car to Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

The petitioner told the court that the Islamabad High Court did not hear him and ordered provision of a bulletproof car to former CJP on a petition filed by three lawyers. He said that Justice (R) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is heading a political party, and has no right to use official bulletproof car, while the expenses of vehicle are also borne by the government. Justice Saqib Nisar remarked that prima facie the high court had no authority to issue this order.

The court sought a reply from the Ministry of law on the instant matter by Wednesday (today) and adjourned the hearing. The Islamabad High Court had ordered the Cabinet Division to provide a bullet proof vehicle to Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. The court had issued directives on a plea filed by former president Rawalpindi High Court Bar Association Sheikh Ahsanuddin seeking security for the former chief justice.