Islamabad IGP transfer: SC directs Azam Swati to submit reply by tonight

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Web Desk
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ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday, while hearing the case pertaining to the transfer of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad, directed Federal Minister Azam Swati to submit a written reply by tonight.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Senator Azam Swati and his lawyer appeared before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar as it heard the suo motu case of the Islamabad IGP’s transfer.

As the hearing went under way, the chief justice remarked, “You must have seen the joint investigation team’s (JIT) report.” Swati’s lawyer responded in the positive and sought time to submit a written reply.

The bench, however, directed the federal minister to submit his reply in court by tonight.

The hearing of the case was then adjourned till tomorrow (December 5).

The case

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad’s abrupt transfer last month. The IGP was transferred on October 27 after he allegedly refused to take action on a complaint by the son of Federal Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati, regarding a fight over purported encroachment with a family at their farmhouse.

The apex court had formed a JIT to probe allegations of misuse of authority, misconduct and encroachment against the minister.

The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the transfer of Islamabad IGP and suspended the transfer of Jan Muhammad but had to withdraw its order after he excused himself from performing duties as Islamabad IGP.