Husain Asghar's suspension notice presented

ISLAMABAD: The notification of Gilgit Baltistan police chief Husain Asghar's suspension was presented to the Supreme Court during the hearing of the Hajj corruption case today, Geo News reported.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and comprising of Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, was hearing the suo moto case of corruption in Haj arrangements in 2010.

While submitting the said notification, Attorney General Irfan Qadir told the court that the matter was brought to the information of Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz.

CJ Iftikhar on Wednesday said whether anyone liked it or not the law would be implemented, adding that in the past, those who considered themselves above the law were made to step down. He also observed that the courts had to strike a balance during proceedings and not go against anyone indiscriminately, adding that everyone had to abide by the rule of law.

The apex court gave time until today to the attorney general to ensure the transfer to the Federal Investigation Agency of former DG FIA Hussain Asghar, who was previously an investigation officer in the Haj scam. The bench also observed that Hussain Asghar could be brought back to the FIA by the same evening if the government sincerely took steps in this regard.

The court directed Attorney General Irfan Qadir to consult the prime minister to return Asghar to the FIA and submit a compliance report by Thursday. Asghar is currently serving as IGP Gilgit-Baltistan and was formerly heading the FIA team investigating the Haj scam when he was appointed IGP GB. He failed to appear before the court.