Pakistan SC takes suo motu notice of interference in prosecution of cases against govt officials

Islamabad, May 18 (Bureau) Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on Wednesday took suo motu notice of “perceived interference” by “persons in authority” in investigation and prosecution of criminal matters against government officials. The CJP took the notice on the recommendation of a fellow apex court judge about the “perceived interference in the independence of the prosecution branch in performance of its powers and duties for the investigation and prosecution of pending criminal matters involving persons in authority in the government today.” A press release from the Supreme Court added that such interference could influence the prosecution of cases, result in tampering or disappearing of evidence in courts or in possession of prosecuting agencies and lead to transfers and postings of officers on key posts. It further said that such actions, along with “media reports” about changes in accountability laws, were likely to “undermine” the functioning of the country’s criminal justice system.

“That tantamounts to violation of fundamental rights affecting the society as a whole and eroding [of] the confidence of the people in the rule of law and constitutionalism in the country,” it added. It said the CJP would head a five-member bench presiding over the hearing for the case on Thursday at 1pm. The SC press release did not indicate which “pending criminal matters” it was referring to. However, the Federal Investigation Agency is currently pursuing a money laundering case against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz. The two were set to be indicted but the matter has been delayed since February. Last week, the FIA’s former director Mohammad Rizwan, who was probing the case, died of a heart attack. Rizwan had taken a long leave just before the formation of the PMLN-led coalition government and was later transferred from the office of FIA Lahore director last month. His name was also placed on the no-fly list.