Hussain Asghar has been again given the charge of Director Federal Investigation Agency in pursuance of the Supreme Court orders to continue probe of Haj scam that caused a loss of Rs 460 million to national kitty. However, Sohail Ahmed, Secretary Establishment has paid a heavy price for observing the SC directions, as he was made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) soon after signing the Hussain Asghar orders on Tuesday.
A six-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was hearing the Haj corruption scam case. The Attorney General was inquired by the bench about the absence of Director General FIA Tehsin Anwar from the court on which he replied that Tehsin was assigned some other job in Karachi. The CJP directed the AGP to summon FIA DG Tehsin Anwar on Wednesday (today) to appear before the court, ensuring the availability of former investigation team members, assisting Hussain Asghar in probing the scam.
The Chief Justice observed," Every government functionary is bound to comply with the direction of the SC under Article 190 of the Constitution of Pakistan." Article 190 spells out, "All executive and judicial authorities throughout Pakistan shall act in aid of the Supreme Court." During course of hearing, the bench was informed that Hussain Asghar's transfer shall take immediate effect as Secretary Establishment has assured the court that Asghar will relinquish the current charge today. The CJP observed, "We have time and again pointed out that the case of Haj scam is unique in its nature, as is evident from the fact and circumstances, thereby not only corruption at a large scale has been committed, but at the same time it has also internationally brought a bad name to the country and the nation."
The CJP categorically stated that the government paid Rs 460 million as compensation amount to pilgrims whose money was looted by the government functionaries who were supposed to deliver for believers, adding that the government was not taking the matter seriously to recover the looted money from grabbers. The court adjourned the hearing till Wednesday (today).
Later, a press release issued here stated that a spokesman of the government has clarified that the ex-secretary, Establishment Division, while exceeding his powers, issued a notification to the effect of transfer of Inspector General (IG), Gilgit Baltistan, Hussain Asghar. On this violation of the laid down rules and regulations the competent authority has made him Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
The spokesman said that the Establishment Division had moved a summary to the competent authority for transfer of IG Gilgit Baltistan. The summary was under consideration and the opinion of the Ministry of Law and Justice was solicited. In the meantime ex Secretary Establishment Division himself issued the notification of the transfer of Hussain Asghar.
The spokesman added that to appoint and transfer IGs and Chief Secretaries, consultation between the Chief Executive of concerned province or region and the Federal Administrative Head is essential. Moreover, for appointments and transfers, under the 1973 Rules of Business, Gilgit Baltistan's Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 and other related Rules are also applicable, the press release concluded.