ISLAMABAD (Online): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has remarked that those criticizing the judiciary should become conscious that respect for judges and judiciary is a must.
He made these remarks during hearing of Jehangir Tareen, a leader of Pakistan Tehrik Insaaf (PTI) disqualification case. CJP further said that due to criticism, his reputation was being distorted. He further said that interest of the country was foremost other than making decisions on sentiments.
CJP observed that there were lots of things, which needed to be improved in the society. A three member bench led by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising of Justice Umar Atta Bandiyal and Justice Faisal Arab conducted hearing of Jehangir Tareen disqualification case. He remarked that the apex court is conducting the proceedings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Khan Tareen’s ineligibility case very cautiously.
Mian Saqib Nisar said during the hearing that observation does not mean decision has been taken, it is for understanding the matter. He commented that corruption is also one aspect of dishonesty.
The CJP asked the counsels of both parties to assist the court on Article 62 (1), and said each and every word of this article should be studied. The article can be examined from case to case, he added.
Justice Saqib Nisar said I have to keep in front the interests of this country as well as the court, and those who are criticizing us should realize that this is also their own institution. He further added that he does not become emotional while working.
The Supreme Court (SC) also issued notice to the attorney general regarding Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) law.
At the outset of the hearing, Sikandar Bashir counsel for Jehangir Tareen adopted the stance that his client wanted to wind up issue of SECP, adding for this purpose he (Jehangir) has paid money as compensation. He said Jehangir Tareen has lots of matter for his defence. He said article 62 (F) regulates a honesty.
Justice Faisal Arab remarked that Jehangir Tareen was shareholder of JDW and being the director he purchased shared after getting internal information. Lawyer of Jehangir Tareen said that SECP’s section 15 and 15 B was repugnant to the constitution.
Upon this CJP remarked that notice would has to be served to Attorney General for challenging section of the law. The counsel of Jehangir Tareen replied that notice was already served for the assistance of Attorney General. CJP said Jehangir Tareen was facing allegations that shares were purchased through his employees while employees had no money for purchasing shares.
He said the court has to take stock of honesty. He said it was necessary to look what was criteria to determine the disqualification of the Members of the Parliament. He added corruption was another kind of dishonesty.
