Arsalan case: CJ says SC reputation will be protected at all costs

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said Wednesday he would go to any limit to protect the reputation of the Supreme Court while hearing the suo moto notice of the graft case involving his son Dr. Arsalan Iftikhar Chaudhry.

A three member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry while hearing the case, sought all the evidence pertaining to allegations that Dr. Arsalan received cash and other benefits from the owner of Bahria Town, Malik Riaz.

As proceedings began, the CJ remarked that if Arsalan was found involved in the scam the law would take its course.

On this, Attorney General Irfan Qadir said in his opinion the CJ should not be part of the bench hearing the case of his own son. The CJ replied that the court is aware of the code of conduct but this was a matter of honour for the institution.

The AG, while addressing the CJ said 'you are getting emotional on the matter that is why I am of the view that the Chief Justice should not sit on the bench'. Justice Jawwad Khawaja observed 'we do not need to get emotional'.

Notices had been issued to the son of the Chief Justice Arsalan Iftikhar Chaudhry, Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz and Attorney General Ifran Qadir on Tuesday. The principal staff officer informed the bench hearing the case that Malik Riaz could not appear before them because he was in the UK.

According to media reports Arsalan received Rs300 to Rs400 million from Bahria Town Chairman Malik Riaz on different occasions. However Arsalan Chaudhry has dismissed these reports, while Vice Chief Executive Bahria Town Commodore Ilyas informed the apex court that Arsalan was given no money from the 5 projects under him.

The Supreme Court asked the court reporter for Geo News to inform the channel's Chief Executive to provide whatever material Hamid Mir, Najam Sethi and Kamaran Khan had regarding this case.

Later, Hamid Mir appeared before the court and said that Malik Riaz had shown him some documents and also claimed that he had a video. Mir further informed the apex court he was not in possession of any content regarding the accusations. The court has summoned Geo News anchor Kamran Khan and the channel's Chief Executive on Thursday.

The hearing has been adjourned till 11:30 am Pakistan time on Thursday and both Chief Executive and Chairman Bahria Town have been asked to be present in the court along with complete record of Bahria Town Company.

Meanwhile, Arsalan Iftikhar Chaudhry said that he had full faith in the court and would respect its decision.