Raymond Davis release: LHC CJ disposes of petitions

24 Mar, 2011

Chief Justice (CJ) Lahore High Court held that foreign ministry, federal and Punjab governments were linking every thing relating Raymond' case to the trial court proceedings, therefore, petitions against him were disposed of accordingly. The CJ said this in its detailed judgement in the petitions against Raymond, but said, "None of the petitions raised question of diplomatic immunity".
The CJ Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry on March 14, two days before release of Raymond Davis by the trial court had disposed of the petitions filed by Asif Hussain, and advocates Ahmad Masood Gujar Javed Iqbal Jafree, Muhammad Azhar Siddique and Rana Ilumddin Ghazi.
The CJ quoting the relief sought by petitioners, noted that the petitions sought judicial inquiry as there was an apprehension of extending immunity to Raymond therefore authorities be directed not to release him from jail and his name be placed on Exit Control List.
In another petition, it was rayed that Raymond's real name is not known hence all the documents and other material recovered from his possession be ordered to be produced in the court. Another plea was that direction be issued to federal government not to interfere with the investigation of the criminal cases registered against Raymond and till conclusion of the trail of the cases against him, he be not shifted to any other place beyond the jurisdiction of the LHC.
The CJ held that replies on the identical petitions were called from the federal government. Deputy Attorney General (DAG) told that the real name of the accused was Raymond Allen Davis and he had come to Pakistan on business visa. Answering the question about his diplomatic status the DAG referred to a LHC order which said, 'the court has already taken cognisance of the matter and if any matter of immunity arises in future that can be determined by the court of law". The CJ therefore held that bench disposed of the petitions after addressing all main points raised by the petitioners.

Read Comments