'Lagay Raho Munna Bhai': Supreme Court asks government to suspend Asghar's appointment

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the government to suspend the appointment of Hussain Asghar, IGP Gilgit-Baltistan, over non-compliance of court orders. Hussain Asghar, the lead investigator in the Hajj corruption scam, was transferred and appointed as Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan in April 2012.
The Supreme Court had been constantly directing the government to bring Hussain Asghar back to the federal capital to investigate the scam and had reportedly given the government last chance to reinstate the official.
A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed the hearing of the case. Deputy Attorney General submitted that the government had formed an inquiry committee to investigate the transfer matter of Ashgar.
During the course of hearing, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry observed that Ashgar's transfer possible within five minutes provided the government was willing to do so. The Chief Justice told the AGP: "We were of the opinion that the new AGP will deliver but nothing has been done in the matter so far".
He further said: "A government official is bound to comply with state's orders. So ask him [Hussain Asghar] to observe the court's orders; otherwise serve him with a termination notice."
Expressing his dismay over the non-compliance of court orders in the instant matter, the Chief Justice warned that apex court's stature would not be compromised, adding that "nobody would be allowed to undermine the prestige of apex court of Pakistan."
Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja said: "What kind of subordinate is he [Hussain Asghar]? He has been given all the facilities but he is not complying with the orders of his 'Master'."
Expressing his concern over the situation, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain observed that there was no issue of ego. According to him, the system will collapse if government ignores implementation of the provisions of 'Civil Servant Act'.
Legal Director FIA told the bench that an administrative action had been initiated against Asghar. Upon which Justice, Khilji said that not only was Asghar failing to comply with government orders, he wasn't observing court's directions. The conduct of certain official had been ably illustrated by a film dialogue: "Lagay Raho Munna Bhai" (carry on Muna Bahi).
Giving a one day's time to the AGP, the bench directed him to seek opinion of government over why Asghar was not coming back to probe the Hajj corruption case. The bench adjourned the hearing of case till July 19.