An in-depth probe into allegations in the Asghar Khan case would be conducted after the newly-elected PML-N government takes over, a senior member of the party told Business Recorder. He said that the next government would implement all orders of the Supreme Court, including its verdict in the Asghar Khan case.
"PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif accepted the court orders in the case and asked the former PPP-led government to direct the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct the investigation," he said adding a thorough probe would be conducted into allegations levelled against the party leadership. According to him, the government's top priority will be to steer the country out of the prevailing economic and energy crises. Other sources within PML-N said that the party was yet to decide what action to take, if any, on the decision of the apex court in the Asghar Khan case.
Legal experts told Business Recorder that implementation of the verdict would send a positive message to the general public that the new administration proactively supports justice for all without fear and favour in accordance with the constitution. Taking up the petition of retired Air Marshal Asghar Khan after 16 years, the Supreme Court had announced its verdict in November last year and ruled that bribes were paid to senior politicians including the Sharifs to manipulate the 1990 general elections.
The apex court had directed the federal government to take necessary action under the Constitution and the law against General Aslam Baig (Retd) and Lieutenant General Asad Durrani (Retd) for their role in facilitating a group of politicians and political parties to ensure their success against their rivals in the 1990 elections.
However, the former PPP government delayed investigation into the allegations by the FIA as per the court directives. Former President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Yasin Azad stated that the government is bound to implement the apex court verdict so it is the constitutional duty of the next government to send the message that justice is not being deliberately denied in the case.
PML-N former member National Assembly Hamza Shahbaz Sharif has stated in a public gathering that the Supreme Court gave a historic decision in the Asghar Khan case and the nation should wait for facts to unfold. He called for a transparent inquiry in the light of the decision so that the nation could hold those responsible accountable.
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