Islamabad IG transfer: CJ withdraws notice after Fawad’s explanation

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday withdrew contempt notice against Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry after his explanation about statement. The bench resumed hearing of the case pertaining to the transfer of Inspector general of Police (IGP) after a break, tne information minister and Azam Swati appeared before the court. After making controversial statements about the top court’s verdict on suo motu notice on transfer of Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jan Mohammad, the minister informed the Supreme Court that he has great respect for the apex court and cannot even think of indulging in any contempt of court. During the hearing, he said that the government was facing difficulties with regard to the bureaucracy. To reply, the chief justice pointing to Fawad said, “You, not the bureaucracy has to rule.” The chief justice invited federal minister to read with him section-4 of the Constitution. Later, the court accepted the explanation of the information minister on his controversial statement on the transfer orders of IGP and withdrew the contempt notice. Earlier today, the apex court summoned Fawad Chaudhry to explain his position with regard to his recent statement on the transfer of the capital city police chief Jan Muhammad. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing a suo motu case pertaining to removal of the IGP Islamabad. The chief justice asked him to appear at 11:50am to explain as to “who did he taunt” when he questioned the purpose of holding elections in the country if the elected prime minister couldn’t even suspend an IGP. He made these remarks after SC took strong exception to ‘irresponsible’ statement of information minister Fawad Chaudhry ridiculing the court on suspension of verbal orders of PM. – Fawad Ch’s statement – Responding to the suspension of orders of Islamabad IG, Fawad Chaudhry inquired that what the point of holding general elections was if prime minister couldn’t even suspend an IG. The minister further added that it is unacceptable for the incumbent govt that bureaucracy runs state-affairs. Fawad made it overtly clear that PM and ministers will exercise their powers bestowed on them by the constitution. Fawad regretted that a narrative was being promulgated that bureaucrats would become heroes if they disobeyed govt’s order.