System to be affected if courts start exercising govt powers: Shah

SUKKUR: Opposition Leader Syed Khursheed Shah on Friday said, commenting on IG Sindh AD Khawaja's case, that if the courts started exercising the government’s authority than the system would be affected. 

Speaking to media, Shah said that courts can direct, but not dictate [the executive]. "The matter of IG Sindh is related to governance and it creates problems if the courts start using administrative powers."

He added the courts can work while remaining within their ambit.

In April, the Sindh government had removed the IG and replaced him with an officer already posted in the province. The Sindh government did not take the federal government on board and appointed another officer without waiting for the Establishment Division to appoint a new police chief.

Sindh IG AD Khawaja to continue on post, rules SHC

IG AD Khawaja had been removed by the provincial govt earlier this year

Pakistan Institute of Labour, Education and Research head Karamat Ali and singer/activist Shahzad Roy filed petitions in the Sindh High Court (SHC) against the verdict, after which the court stayed Khawaja's removal as IG Sindh.

On Thursday, the SHC annulled the provincial government's order removing Khawaja and ordered that he will continue on his post until completion of his due term.

The opposition leader said there is same situation in Punjab on the basis of which there have been reservations on Sindh administration, adding, "Courts should give similar verdicts everywhere".

Commenting on Panama case, he said Nawaz Sharif succeeded whenever he acted on his advice, but in this case the former premier did not, which led him to this point.