ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, while hearing a case pertaining to the transfer of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad, remarked that the Supreme Court will conduct Federal Minister Azam Swati’s trial under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution.
A three-judge bench headed by the chief justice heard the suo motu case of the Islamabad IGP’s transfer.
On November 29, the chief justice had said Swati had misused his powers and sought a clarification from him under Article 62 (1)(f) of the Constitution. During the hearing, the top court had directed the Federal Minister for Science and Technology Senator Swati to submit a written reply by last night.
As the hearing went under way today, the chief justice remarked, “We have read Swati’s reply.”
Turning to the federal minister, Justice Nisar said, “You are a person of authority. Do people in power treat their subordinates like this? Do rulers send women to jail because of issues involving cows?”
The chief justice then turned to the Islamabad IGP and remarked, “You did not take any action on this matter?” To this, the Islamabad IGP responded, “Action was not taken as the case is being heard in court.”
Justice Nisar added, “Why don’t we make an example out of Swati. Now, the court will conduct his trial under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution.”
The case
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad’s abrupt transfer last month. The IGP was transferred on October 27 after he allegedly refused to take action on a complaint by the son of Federal Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati, regarding a fight over purported encroachment with a family at their farmhouse.
The apex court had formed a JIT to probe allegations of misuse of authority, misconduct and encroachment against the minister.
The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the transfer of Islamabad IGP and suspended the transfer of Jan Muhammad but had to withdraw its order after he excused himself from performing duties as Islamabad IGP.
