ISLAMABAD: A five-member Supreme Court bench under Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial on Thursday barred the federal government to change investigation officers in high profile graft cases
Chief Justice Bandial observed that the suo motu case on the apprehensions that criminal justice might be undermined by people in positions of authority was taken on the transfer of Federal Investigation Authority officers probing graft cases against Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz.
The bench comprises Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar.
Read more: SC takes suo motu notice over govt’s interference in criminal justice system
The chief justice noticed that a qualified FIA officer was relieved from his office without any solid reasons, while Dr Rizwan passed away in a heart attack. “The court must be told why officers probing high profile cases against were immediately transferred as the new government took charge,” he questioned.
CJ Bandial said that the judiciary has to ensure transparency for prosecution branch.
The case has been adjourned till May 27.
A day earlier, the CJP had taken suo motu notice on the recommendations of a SC judge on perceived interference in the independence of the prosecution branch in the performance of its power and duties for investigation and prosecution of pending criminal matters involving persons in authority in government.
According to a press release issued by the apex court, such interference could influence the prosecution of cases, result in tampering or disappearing of evidence in courts or in possession of prosecuting agencies and lead to transfers and postings of officers on key posts.
The press release said that such actions, along with “media reports” about changes in accountability laws, were likely to “undermine” the functioning of the country’s criminal justice system.
“That [is tantamount] to violation of fundamental rights affecting the society as a whole and eroding [of] the confidence of the people in the rule of law and constitutionalism in the country,” it added.
The SC press release did not indicate which “pending criminal matters” it was referring to. However, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is currently pursuing a money laundering case against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, whose indictment has been delayed since February.
