PM accepts resignation of Azam Swati as federal minister

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday accepted the resignation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Azam Swati from the post of federal minister for science and technology. It is pertinent to mention here that Azam Swati is under investigation over alleged misuse of authority in Islamabad Inspector General of Police transfer case. As per reports, Swati submitted his resignation during a meeting with the prime minister. PM Khan has accepted the resignation and told Swati to present himself before the Supreme Court in the ongoing misconduct case. In his resignation, Swati said he could not continue working under the present circumstances. “I am upholding my moral responsibility and submitting my resignation,” he added. The apex court has been hearing a case against Swati pertaining to the transfer of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad. In the last hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, while hearing the Islamabad IGP transfer case, has remarked that the Supreme Court will try Federal Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution. The three-member bench headed by CJP Mian Saqib Nisar heard the case. The court rejected the apology tendered by Azam Swati. The CJP remarked that they had gone through the reply of Azam Swati. “Awareness will come when people will be punished,” he said. Addressing Azam Swati, CJP remarked: “You are the ruler. Does a ruler mete out such treatment to his subject? Does the ruler send women to jail over the issue of buffaloes?” He questioned the Islamabad IGP whether he had taken action over the issue. The IGP replied that action could not be taken as the matter was sub judice. The CJP also refused to receive the money donated by Azam Swati for the dams fund. Azam Swati, a member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), is accused of playing a role in the transfer of former Islamabad police chief Jan Mohammad – an allegation over which the SC had pondered action against him under Article 62 of the Constitution before forming a JIT. The IG’s transfer took place after Swati’s son registered a case against a family of slum dwellers for allegedly trespassing on his family’s land. Five people, including two women, were arrested for trespassing on the land and beating Swati’s guards up. They were released after a day’s detention as police said a settlement had been reached between the minister and the detained family.