Attorney General for Pakistan on Wednesday assured the apex court that Dr AQ Khan's meeting with his counsel will be arranged at his residence for half an hour.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Yahya Afridi heard Dr Abdul Qadeer's petition.
The bench passed order that only those lawyers whose powers of attorney were submitted in the apex court can meet the nuclear scientist.
No one except the counsel should be present in the meeting, said Justice Afridi.
Taufiq Asif, representing Dr AQ Khan, said that on the direction of the bench Dr AQ Khan was brought to the Supreme Court today (Wednesday) for exclusive meeting with his counsel, but they were not allowed to meet him as some officials of the agencies insisted to remain present in the meeting.
He said it was a violation of the apex court's directions.
Tausif contended that Dr AQ Khan has filed a petition in the apex court to explain to judges that it is his fundamental right to be a free person, and his movement cannot be restricted under any law. He said that if this case is again sent to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) then he has no hope of justice.
Justice Yahya Afridi said yesterday (Tuesday) they had passed the order as the petitioner has rendered great services for Pakistan.
He said their order had said that lawyers could take instructions from the petitioner.
He said they would decide the matter after hearing the parties.
Taufiq Asif told the court that IHC and the Lahore High Court had declared Dr AQ Khan a free citizen. He said today (Wednesday) Dr AQ Khan was brought to the Supreme Court but they could not meet in a free atmosphere.
The Islamabad High Court on 06-02-2009 declared him a free citizen and disposed of his petition. The LHC's order observed; "...as far as meeting of visitors with Dr A Q Khan is concerned the court has already declared Dr AQ Khan a free citizen. He may see anybody whom he wants to meet. A procedure has also been laid down in this regard and now it is the duty of the parties to follow direction. However, if Dr A Q Khan is still dissatisfied, he may give the names of those persons in writing and the government should not create any unnecessary hurdle in the way of meeting. The government should further ensure harmony and maintain pleasant atmosphere and no undue harassment should be caused to Dr AQ Khan as the nation has great respect for him."
Comments
Comments are closed.