SC orders interior secretary to ensure Haqqani's presence
ISLAMABAD: A nine-judge larger bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry heard the infamous memogate case Tuesday, Media reported.
During today’s 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, then, adjourned the hearing for four weeks.
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.
