The Supreme Court on Thursday directed all the authorities concerned to cooperate with secretary interior for bringing back former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar from London who has been summoned in the Attaul Haq Qasim appointment case. The court ordered that prompt and expeditious assistance be provided to secretary interior not beyond 12 hours. "Anybody not cooperating with the secretary interior will be dealt with," said the short order.
A two-judge bench reserved its judgement regarding the appointment of Attaul Haq Qasmi as chairman Pakistan Television (PTV), but adjourned the hearing related to bringing back Ishaq Dar until Saturday.
Former finance secretary, former information secretary and former Information Minister Pervez Rashid had informed that the summary for the appointment, salary and perks and privileges of Attaul Haq Qasmi was approved by the then prime minister, while ex- Principal Secretary to PM Fawad Hassan Fawad told the bench that the ex-PM (Nawaz Sharif) had no role in Qasmi's appointment.
Secretary Interior Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, appearing on court's order, said that Dar's passport could be cancelled under Section 8 of Passport Act, 1974, but for doing so, a show cause notice needs to be issued. He said under the Visa Manual, his passport could be withheld or taken into custody by the Pakistan Missions abroad.
The Chief Justice said that Dar was summoned by the top court of the country but he has disregarded its order. NAB Prosecutor General former Justice Asghar Haider stated that the Accountability Court has already declared Dar a proclaimed offender in a reference. The PG said that he is ready to provide all the necessary documents, which are required for procuring Ishaq Dar's presence in the court.
The Chief Justice remarked that former Prime Minister [Shahid Khaqqan Abbasi] met with the proclaimed offender in London, asking if this showed respect for the court and rule of law. He questioned whether red warrants for Ishaq Dar could be issued. Additional Attorney General Nayyar Rizvi said that the passport and CNIC of General Pervez Musharraf (retd) were also cancelled. He stated that the same process be adopted, which is being done in the Husain Haqqani case.
The Chief Justice said there should be a uniform policy in the cases to bring Pakistanis back from abroad who are required by the court.
Attorney General Khalid Jawed stated that the direction [for issuance of red warrant and to bring Ishaq Dar through Interpol] should come from the federal government and not the apex court.
The Chief Justice observed that despite the court notice was affixed on Dar's permanent address and media, both print and electronic, pronounced in clear terms that he should appear before this court, neither did he appear nor did anyone represent him during Thursday's hearing.
The Chief Justice inquired from Advocate Aslam Butt, who was present in the courtroom, whether he has contact with Ishaq Dar in this case. Aslam Butt replied in the negative, saying he contacts him through WhatsApp once in a blue moon.