A Pakistan anti-corruption court on Thursday ordered the seizure of assets of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his failure to appear in the Toshakhana graft case, days after he was declared an absconder in the matter that allegedly caused a heavy loss to the national exchequer.

An anti-corruption court on September 9 indicted former president Asif Ali Zardari and ex-prime minister Yusuf Raza Gillani, while declared Sharif an absconder in the case.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-high-court-slams-nawaz-sharif-for-failing-to-appear-before-court-331684" hreflang="en">Pakistan High Court slams Nawaz Sharif for failing to appear before court</a>

The Islamabad-based accountability court was hearing the case filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which submitted a detailed record of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's movable and immovable properties.

The accountability Judge Asghar Ali ordered the authorities to freeze Sharif's national and international bank accounts and seize his 206 acres of agricultural land in Lahore and 12.75 acres in Sheikhupura, as well as his house in Murree in Punjab province.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-to-push-for-nawaz-sharifs-deportation-from-uk-331398" hreflang="en">Pakistan government to push for Nawaz Sharif's deportation from UK</a>

Two tractors and cars that the 70-year-old leader allegedly obtained from the Toshakhana (state gift depository) after paying 15 per cent of the price are also included among assets the court has ordered to seize.

The Toshakhana graft case is about alleged relaxation of rules by Gilani, 68, for the benefit of Zardari, 65, and Sharif to buy vehicles gifted by foreign countries.

Sharif is accused of obtaining luxury cars from the treasury house by paying just 15 per cent of the price of these vehicles.

imilarly, Zardari and Gilani, are also accused of receiving luxury vehicles and gifts from the treasure house.

The court had issued non-bailable arrest warrant against Sharif in the case in June and the next month directed the Foreign Office to execute the arrest warrants through the Pakistan High Commission in London.

Last month, the court declared him a proclaimed offender after he failed to present himself before the court as he is in London for treatment for several health complications.

He went abroad after securing bail for medical treatment in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case and the Al Azizia case.

His Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party in a meeting on Tuesday asked him to stay there until the completion of his treatment.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan asked relevant authorities to take steps to bring back Sharif from London and to ensure that the former premier faces the corruption cases pending against him in various Pakistani courts.

The three-time premier, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar were convicted in the Avenfield properties case on July 6, 2018. Sharif was also sentenced to seven years in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case in December 2018. But Sharif was bailed out in both cases and also allowed to go to London for medical treatment.

In November last year, Sharif was allowed to travel abroad for his treatment, while Maryam had to stay behind ?till further orders?. 
In May, a picture of Sharif having tea at a London cafe along with his family went viral on social media, sparking a debate on the seriousness of his health condition.

The Pakistan government came under further criticism when last month Sharif's photos surfaced online, showing him strolling in a street, prompting calls from within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to bring him back.&nbsp;

A Pakistan anti-corruption court on Thursday ordered the seizure of assets of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his failure to appear in the Toshakhana graft case, days after he was declared an absconder in the matter that allegedly caused a heavy loss to the national exchequer.

A Pakistan anti-corruption court on Thursday ordered the seizure of assets of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his failure to appear in the Toshakhana graft case, days after he was declared an absconder in the matter that allegedly caused a heavy loss to the national exchequer. An anti-corruption court on September 9 indicted former president Asif Ali Zardari and ex-prime minister Yusuf Raza Gillani, while declared Sharif an absconder in the case. Also read: Pakistan High Court slams Nawaz Sharif for failing to appear before court The Islamabad-based accountability court was hearing the case filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which submitted a detailed record of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo's movable and immovable properties. The accountability Judge Asghar Ali ordered the authorities to freeze Sharif's national and international bank accounts and seize his 206 acres of agricultural land in Lahore and 12.75 acres in Sheikhupura, as well as his house in Murree in Punjab province. Also read: Pakistan government to push for Nawaz Sharif's deportation from UK Two tractors and cars that the 70-year-old leader allegedly obtained from the Toshakhana (state gift depository) after paying 15 per cent of the price are also included among assets the court has ordered to seize. The Toshakhana graft case is about alleged relaxation of rules by Gilani, 68, for the benefit of Zardari, 65, and Sharif to buy vehicles gifted by foreign countries. Sharif is accused of obtaining luxury cars from the treasury house by paying just 15 per cent of the price of these vehicles. imilarly, Zardari and Gilani, are also accused of receiving luxury vehicles and gifts from the treasure house. The court had issued non-bailable arrest warrant against Sharif in the case in June and the next month directed the Foreign Office to execute the arrest warrants through the Pakistan High Commission in London. Last month, the court declared him a proclaimed offender after he failed to present himself before the court as he is in London for treatment for several health complications. He went abroad after securing bail for medical treatment in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case and the Al Azizia case. His Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party in a meeting on Tuesday asked him to stay there until the completion of his treatment. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan asked relevant authorities to take steps to bring back Sharif from London and to ensure that the former premier faces the corruption cases pending against him in various Pakistani courts. The three-time premier, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar were convicted in the Avenfield properties case on July 6, 2018. Sharif was also sentenced to seven years in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case in December 2018. But Sharif was bailed out in both cases and also allowed to go to London for medical treatment. In November last year, Sharif was allowed to travel abroad for his treatment, while Maryam had to stay behind ?till further orders?. In May, a picture of Sharif having tea at a London cafe along with his family went viral on social media, sparking a debate on the seriousness of his health condition. The Pakistan government came under further criticism when last month Sharif's photos surfaced online, showing him strolling in a street, prompting calls from within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to bring him back.

Pak court orders seizure of Nawaz Sharif's assets in Toshakhana graft case

A top Pakistani court has named three senior lawyers as amici curiae in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav as it ordered the Pakistan government to give "another chance" to India to appoint a counsel for the death-row prisoner.

Jadhav, the 50-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

India approached the International Court of Justice against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gets-consular-access-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-in-pakistan-313675">India gets consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan</a>

The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

A two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb appointed the three lawyers on Monday as it held a hearing of the petition filed by the Pakistan government to appoint a lawyer for Jadhav.

Amicus Curiae is a lawyer appointed by a court to assist in any matter or case.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-claims-kulbhushan-jadhav-had-refused-review-petition-311612">Pakistan claims Kulbhushan Jadhav had refused review petition</a>

The court also ordered a larger bench to be set up for the case. It also directed the registrar of the court to fix the proceedings at 2 pm on September 3 before a larger bench.

We appoint Mr Abid Hassan Manto, Mr Hamid Khan, Senior Advocates of the Supreme Court and former presidents of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and Mr Makhdoom Ali Khan, Senior Advocate Supreme Court and former Attorney General of Pakistan, as amici curiae for our legal assistance in general and, in particular, to ensure that the judgement of the International Court is effectively implemented,&nbsp;the court said in its order.

The Pakistan government in its petition has claimed that Jadhav refused to file a review petition or an application to reconsider the verdict against him by the military court.

We feel that in order to ensure the effectiveness of the review and reconsideration of the conviction and sentence of Commander Jadhav, a reasonable opportunity ought to be extended to the latter and the Government of India to arrange legal representation and to file a petition.

"We, therefore, at this stage restrain ourselves from appointing a counsel on behalf of Commander Jadhav and advise the Government of Pakistan to extend an opportunity to Jadhav and the Government of India for arranging legal representation in terms of Article 32(1)(c) of the Convention and in accordance with the applicable laws,? the court order said.

The court also asked the Pakistan government to communicate the order to the Indian government. Responding to the judge's remarks, Pakistan's Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan said an ordinance was issued to give an opportunity to India and Jadhav to file a review petition against the sentence.

"We will contact India again through the Foreign Office," he said.

He told the court that Jadhav was being taken care of and was in good health.

On July 16, Pakistan provided consular access to Jadhav, but the Indian government said the access was "neither meaningful nor credible" and he appeared visibly under stress.

In New Delhi, External affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava last month said Pakistan has once again exposed its "farcical" approach by denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence which is also in contravention of the ICJ verdict, and asserted that India will explore further options in the case.

Srivastava said Pakistan has blocked all the avenues for an effective remedy available to India in the case, while noting that New Delhi has so far requested consular access to Jadhav for 12 times over the past one year.

The MEA spokesperson said Pakistan is not only in violation of the judgment of ICJ, but also of its own ordinance.

A top Pakistani court has named three senior lawyers as amici curiae in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav as it ordered the Pakistan government to give "another chance" to India to appoint a counsel for the death-row prisoner.

A top Pakistani court has named three senior lawyers as amici curiae in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav as it ordered the Pakistan government to give "another chance" to India to appoint a counsel for the death-row prisoner. Jadhav, the 50-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. India approached the International Court of Justice against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence. Also read: India gets consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. A two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb appointed the three lawyers on Monday as it held a hearing of the petition filed by the Pakistan government to appoint a lawyer for Jadhav. Amicus Curiae is a lawyer appointed by a court to assist in any matter or case. Also read: Pakistan claims Kulbhushan Jadhav had refused review petition The court also ordered a larger bench to be set up for the case. It also directed the registrar of the court to fix the proceedings at 2 pm on September 3 before a larger bench. We appoint Mr Abid Hassan Manto, Mr Hamid Khan, Senior Advocates of the Supreme Court and former presidents of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and Mr Makhdoom Ali Khan, Senior Advocate Supreme Court and former Attorney General of Pakistan, as amici curiae for our legal assistance in general and, in particular, to ensure that the judgement of the International Court is effectively implemented, the court said in its order. The Pakistan government in its petition has claimed that Jadhav refused to file a review petition or an application to reconsider the verdict against him by the military court. We feel that in order to ensure the effectiveness of the review and reconsideration of the conviction and sentence of Commander Jadhav, a reasonable opportunity ought to be extended to the latter and the Government of India to arrange legal representation and to file a petition. "We, therefore, at this stage restrain ourselves from appointing a counsel on behalf of Commander Jadhav and advise the Government of Pakistan to extend an opportunity to Jadhav and the Government of India for arranging legal representation in terms of Article 32(1)(c) of the Convention and in accordance with the applicable laws,? the court order said. The court also asked the Pakistan government to communicate the order to the Indian government. Responding to the judge's remarks, Pakistan's Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan said an ordinance was issued to give an opportunity to India and Jadhav to file a review petition against the sentence. "We will contact India again through the Foreign Office," he said. He told the court that Jadhav was being taken care of and was in good health. On July 16, Pakistan provided consular access to Jadhav, but the Indian government said the access was "neither meaningful nor credible" and he appeared visibly under stress. In New Delhi, External affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava last month said Pakistan has once again exposed its "farcical" approach by denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence which is also in contravention of the ICJ verdict, and asserted that India will explore further options in the case. Srivastava said Pakistan has blocked all the avenues for an effective remedy available to India in the case, while noting that New Delhi has so far requested consular access to Jadhav for 12 times over the past one year. The MEA spokesperson said Pakistan is not only in violation of the judgment of ICJ, but also of its own ordinance.

Pak court appoints three senior lawyers as amici curiae in Jadhav's case

Pervez Musharraf ruled the Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. So, Former PML-N Govt filed this case of sedition against Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf. After hearings, Pak's apex court sentenced Musharraf to death in punishment. Musharraf is presently in a hospital of Dubai with which country Pak has no extradition treaty itself. #PervezMusharraf #Pakistan #PakConstitution

Pakistan: Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital

Pak's former PML-N govt filed the case of sedition against Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf. After hearings, Pak's apex court sentenced Musharraf to death in punishment. Musharraf is presently in a hospital of Dubai with which country Pak has no extradition treaty itself. WION spoke to some experts for more on this. Let's listen in... #PervezMusharraf #Pakistan #PakConstitution

Musharraf treason case: Can Pak move ahead as it doesn't have 'extradition treaty' with UAE?

Pervez Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. Former PML-N Govt filed the case of sedition against the Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf. After hearings, Pak's apex court sentenced Musharraf to death in punishment. Musharraf is presently in a hospital of Dubai with which Pakistan has no extradition treaty . #PervezMusharraf #Pakistan #Deathsentence

Pakistan: Pervez Musharraf sentenced to death in Dec 2013 'case of sedition'

Former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf has been sentenced to death by Pakistan's court for abrogating the Constitution of Pakistan. Presently, Musharraf is in a Dubai hospital. This case was lodged by the earlier Pak govt in 2013. #PervezMusharraf #Pakistan #PakConstitution

Pak Ex-President Musharraf sentenced to death for Pak Constitution abrogation

Today Pak Gujarat court will hear the case against Hafiz Saeed. On August 7, Gujranwala court held Hafiz Saeed guilty. Gujranwala court has charged Saeed under the Anti-terrorism act. Watch this video to know more.

Pak Court to begin trial in Hafiz Saeed's case today, accused of terror-funding

A Pakistani court on Thursday turned down a plea by jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif to suspend his sentence in a corruption case and grant him bail on medical grounds.

Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018 when an accountability court convicted him in the Al-Azizia steel mills corruption case filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case.

A two-judge Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench comprising Justices Aamer Farooq and Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani rejected the plea to grant bail to 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo after hearing arguments by his lawyer Khawaja Harris.

During previous hearings of the case, Haris told the court that his client was suffering from multiple dangerous diseases including diabetes, blood pressure and cardiac-related problems that cannot be treated in Pakistan, pleading to the bench to grant him bail as his life is in danger.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor Jahanzeb Bharwana opposed the bail plea by saying adequate medical care was given to the former premier and and asked the court to dismiss the petition.

The superintendent of the Kot Lakhpat jail and a medical officer earlier this week informed the court that Sharif's health condition was better under the current medical treatment offered to him.

Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated.

On March 26, the Supreme Court suspended Sharif's seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and granted him bail for six weeks with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan.

In May, the apex court rejected his review petition seeking bail on medical grounds and permission to go abroad for medical treatment.

The apex court ordered him to surrender before the court as soon as his interim bail period ended. The bench, however, suggested his counsel to approach appropriate forum to get relief.

Sharif's counsel had approached IHC and cited medical reports stating that his condition was critical and required a stress-free environment to recuperate.&nbsp;

A Pakistani court on Thursday turned down a plea by jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif to suspend his sentence in a corruption case and grant him bail on medical grounds.

A Pakistani court on Thursday turned down a plea by jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif to suspend his sentence in a corruption case and grant him bail on medical grounds. Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018 when an accountability court convicted him in the Al-Azizia steel mills corruption case filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. A two-judge Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench comprising Justices Aamer Farooq and Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani rejected the plea to grant bail to 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo after hearing arguments by his lawyer Khawaja Harris. During previous hearings of the case, Haris told the court that his client was suffering from multiple dangerous diseases including diabetes, blood pressure and cardiac-related problems that cannot be treated in Pakistan, pleading to the bench to grant him bail as his life is in danger. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor Jahanzeb Bharwana opposed the bail plea by saying adequate medical care was given to the former premier and and asked the court to dismiss the petition. The superintendent of the Kot Lakhpat jail and a medical officer earlier this week informed the court that Sharif's health condition was better under the current medical treatment offered to him. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated. On March 26, the Supreme Court suspended Sharif's seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and granted him bail for six weeks with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan. In May, the apex court rejected his review petition seeking bail on medical grounds and permission to go abroad for medical treatment. The apex court ordered him to surrender before the court as soon as his interim bail period ended. The bench, however, suggested his counsel to approach appropriate forum to get relief. Sharif's counsel had approached IHC and cited medical reports stating that his condition was critical and required a stress-free environment to recuperate.

Pakistan court rejects Sharif's plea for bail on medical grounds

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May.

The court in Gujranwala on Saturday also ordered confiscation of assets of 22-year-old Abid Hussain and imposed a fine of Rs 280,000 on him.

The convict would have to undergo an additional six-month imprisonment in case of his failure to pay the fine.

According to a court official, Judge Syed Imran Shah handed down 27-year imprisonment to Hussain for shooting at Iqbal and another three-year jail term for carrying illegal weapons.

The judge said the convict made an assassination attempt on the former interior minister in ex-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Cabinet by shooting at him during an election rally in Narowal, some 100 kilometres from Lahore, on May 6.

The court acquitted four accomplices of the convict by giving them the benefit of doubt.

Hussain, a member of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in his statement to police said he had attacked Iqbal as his government hurt the sentiments of Muslims by attempting to change the law related to Khattam-e-Nubawat&nbsp; 
(finality of Prophethood).

The TLP is an Islamic political party in Pakistan with Islamic ideology. The party is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change in the blasphemy law of Pakistan.&nbsp;

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May.

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May. The court in Gujranwala on Saturday also ordered confiscation of assets of 22-year-old Abid Hussain and imposed a fine of Rs 280,000 on him. The convict would have to undergo an additional six-month imprisonment in case of his failure to pay the fine. According to a court official, Judge Syed Imran Shah handed down 27-year imprisonment to Hussain for shooting at Iqbal and another three-year jail term for carrying illegal weapons. The judge said the convict made an assassination attempt on the former interior minister in ex-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Cabinet by shooting at him during an election rally in Narowal, some 100 kilometres from Lahore, on May 6. The court acquitted four accomplices of the convict by giving them the benefit of doubt. Hussain, a member of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in his statement to police said he had attacked Iqbal as his government hurt the sentiments of Muslims by attempting to change the law related to Khattam-e-Nubawat (finality of Prophethood). The TLP is an Islamic political party in Pakistan with Islamic ideology. The party is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change in the blasphemy law of Pakistan.

Pakistan court sentences member of religious outfit to 30 years in jail

A senior <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-constitutional-body-recommends-removal-of-high-court-judge-over-remarks-against-isi-170946">Pakistani judge</a>, who was in line to become the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court next month, was sacked for his controversial statement that the country's powerful spy agency ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to get favourable decisions.

The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) had recommended to remove Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who was facing a case of alleged misconduct over his speech targeting the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

He was sacked Thursday by Pakistan President Arif Alvi.

Justice Siddiqui while addressing the Rawalpindi District Bar Association on July 21 had alleged that the ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to constitute panel of judges to get favourable decisions.

"Today the judiciary and media have come in the control of 'Bandookwala' (army). Judiciary is not independent. Even the media is getting directions from the military. The media is not speaking the truth because it is under pressure and has its interests...In different cases, the ISI forms benches of its choice to get desired results," he had said.&nbsp;

The army had asked the chief justice of Pakistan to take the notice of the remarks after IHC chief justice Anwar Kansi rejected the allegations against Siddique.

The matter was referred to the SJC, which is the body to take up complaints against judges of higher courts and also recommend punitive actions including removal from judiciary.

A five-member SJC bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing the case.

The SJC after hearing the case issued its decision on Thursday, asking Prime Minister Imran Khan to remove Siddique as his conduct was unbecoming of a judge.

"The Council is unanimously of the opinion that in the matter of making his speech...Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, Judge, Islamabad High Court, Islamabad had displayed conduct unbecoming of a judge of High Court and was, thus, guilty of misconduct and he is, therefore, liable to be removed from his office," the panel said.

The 39-page opinion of the SJC was penned by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa.

Later, the law ministry issued a notification that the President has removed Siddiqui as IHC judge in the light of recommendations of the SJC.

Siddiqui's lawyer Hamid Khan said that though there is no provision of appeal against the decision of the SJC but he will take the matter to the Supreme Court.

Siddiqui is the second judge removed by SJC since removal of Justice Shaukat Ali of Lahore High Court in 1973 for corruption.

Most of the judges have opted to tender their resignation to avoid an SJC inquiry. However, Justice Siddiqui opted to face the charges of misconduct. 
The proceeding of the case against judge Ali went on for 10 months.

Interestingly, cases of misconduct against chief justice Nisar and three other judges of Supreme Court have been with the SJC for a long time but no proceeding has taken place. But the case against Siddiqui was decided after preliminary hearing held in-camera.

Siddiqui is the second senior most judge of the IHC and was in line to become chief justice of IHC in November when incumbent Kansi is set to retire.&nbsp;

A senior Pakistani judge, who was in line to become the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court next month, was sacked for his controversial statement that the country's powerful spy agency ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to get favourable decisions.

A senior Pakistani judge, who was in line to become the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court next month, was sacked for his controversial statement that the country's powerful spy agency ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to get favourable decisions. The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) had recommended to remove Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who was facing a case of alleged misconduct over his speech targeting the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He was sacked Thursday by Pakistan President Arif Alvi. Justice Siddiqui while addressing the Rawalpindi District Bar Association on July 21 had alleged that the ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to constitute panel of judges to get favourable decisions. "Today the judiciary and media have come in the control of 'Bandookwala' (army). Judiciary is not independent. Even the media is getting directions from the military. The media is not speaking the truth because it is under pressure and has its interests...In different cases, the ISI forms benches of its choice to get desired results," he had said. The army had asked the chief justice of Pakistan to take the notice of the remarks after IHC chief justice Anwar Kansi rejected the allegations against Siddique. The matter was referred to the SJC, which is the body to take up complaints against judges of higher courts and also recommend punitive actions including removal from judiciary. A five-member SJC bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing the case. The SJC after hearing the case issued its decision on Thursday, asking Prime Minister Imran Khan to remove Siddique as his conduct was unbecoming of a judge. "The Council is unanimously of the opinion that in the matter of making his speech...Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, Judge, Islamabad High Court, Islamabad had displayed conduct unbecoming of a judge of High Court and was, thus, guilty of misconduct and he is, therefore, liable to be removed from his office," the panel said. The 39-page opinion of the SJC was penned by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa. Later, the law ministry issued a notification that the President has removed Siddiqui as IHC judge in the light of recommendations of the SJC. Siddiqui's lawyer Hamid Khan said that though there is no provision of appeal against the decision of the SJC but he will take the matter to the Supreme Court. Siddiqui is the second judge removed by SJC since removal of Justice Shaukat Ali of Lahore High Court in 1973 for corruption. Most of the judges have opted to tender their resignation to avoid an SJC inquiry. However, Justice Siddiqui opted to face the charges of misconduct. The proceeding of the case against judge Ali went on for 10 months. Interestingly, cases of misconduct against chief justice Nisar and three other judges of Supreme Court have been with the SJC for a long time but no proceeding has taken place. But the case against Siddiqui was decided after preliminary hearing held in-camera. Siddiqui is the second senior most judge of the IHC and was in line to become chief justice of IHC in November when incumbent Kansi is set to retire.

Pak High Court judge sacked over remarks against ISI

Absconding former Pakistani dictator Pervez Musharraf can record his statement through Skype as it is vital to the ongoing treason case against him, a special court ruled on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Gen. (retd) Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since 2016, is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007. The former army chief left for Dubai in March 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.

During Tuesday's hearing, Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Yawar Ali said former president's statement could be recorded on Skype, Dawn newspaper reported.

"Can a 342 statement [statement of the accused] be recorded over Skype?" Justice Ali asked.

"The court had recorded Mark Siegel's testimony in the Benazir Bhutto murder case on Skype," Musharraf's lawyer Salman Safdar said.&nbsp; 
But he said that he would have to ask his client if he wished to provide his statement over Skype.

"It is not that the defendant does not wish to appear in court, it is that he is unable to be here because of his health," he added.

"My client is a 75-year-old sick man," he said.&nbsp;

In response, Justice Yawar Ali said that "Musharraf had assured us that he would return". Musharraf's counsel explained that the former president is not returning at this point.

The prosecutor Naseeruddin Nayyar said that Musharraf's presence in court is vital. He said that Musharraf is an absconder and should surrender to the court, and that his statement could not be recorded until that happens.

Musharraf's absence has complicated the ongoing treason trial being conducted against him in a special court, media reports said.&nbsp;

After Interpol refused to issue a red notice for his return to the country, Supreme Court Chief Justice Saqib Nisar had ordered that security should be provided to Musharraf so he can travel to Pakistan and record his statement in the ongoing treason case against him.

If Musharraf returns voluntarily, he may be able to do so respectably otherwise he may be compelled to return under circumstances which are not "graceful", the top judge warned on October 2.

Last month, the Pakistani media published a photo of Musharraf, also president of the All Pakistan Muslim League, watching a cricket match during the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).&nbsp;

The court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing till October 15.

The Supreme Court has ordered to hear the Musharraf treason case on a&nbsp;daily basis from October 9.

A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and the Red Mosque cleric killing case.

Absconding former Pakistani dictator Pervez Musharraf can record his statement through Skype as it is vital to the ongoing treason case against him, a special court ruled on Tuesday.

Absconding former Pakistani dictator Pervez Musharraf can record his statement through Skype as it is vital to the ongoing treason case against him, a special court ruled on Tuesday. Gen. (retd) Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since 2016, is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007. The former army chief left for Dubai in March 2016 for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons. During Tuesday's hearing, Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Yawar Ali said former president's statement could be recorded on Skype, Dawn newspaper reported. "Can a 342 statement [statement of the accused] be recorded over Skype?" Justice Ali asked. "The court had recorded Mark Siegel's testimony in the Benazir Bhutto murder case on Skype," Musharraf's lawyer Salman Safdar said. But he said that he would have to ask his client if he wished to provide his statement over Skype. "It is not that the defendant does not wish to appear in court, it is that he is unable to be here because of his health," he added. "My client is a 75-year-old sick man," he said. In response, Justice Yawar Ali said that "Musharraf had assured us that he would return". Musharraf's counsel explained that the former president is not returning at this point. The prosecutor Naseeruddin Nayyar said that Musharraf's presence in court is vital. He said that Musharraf is an absconder and should surrender to the court, and that his statement could not be recorded until that happens. Musharraf's absence has complicated the ongoing treason trial being conducted against him in a special court, media reports said. After Interpol refused to issue a red notice for his return to the country, Supreme Court Chief Justice Saqib Nisar had ordered that security should be provided to Musharraf so he can travel to Pakistan and record his statement in the ongoing treason case against him. If Musharraf returns voluntarily, he may be able to do so respectably otherwise he may be compelled to return under circumstances which are not "graceful", the top judge warned on October 2. Last month, the Pakistani media published a photo of Musharraf, also president of the All Pakistan Muslim League, watching a cricket match during the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing till October 15. The Supreme Court has ordered to hear the Musharraf treason case on a daily basis from October 9. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and the Red Mosque cleric killing case.

Musharraf can record statement through Skype in treason case: Pak court

The possible arrest of Hafiz Saeed, co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the chief of Jama&#39;at-ud-Da&#39;wah (JuD), was further stayed on Wednesday.

According to the Dawn, the Lahore High Court extended stay against the possible arrest of Saeed as law officers of the federal and provincial governments sought time to file their replies.

The court passed the stay order while hearing a petition filed by Saeed, in which he expressed fear of being arrested by the Pakistani government at the behest of the United States and India.

Justice Aminuddin Khan had on January 24 restrained the Ministry of Interior and the Punjab home department from taking any illegal action against Saeed.

The next hearing in the case will be on April 4.

Saeed&#39;s lawyer A.K. Dogar told the court that his client is an eminent social worker, who founded JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and established 142 schools and three universities.

Dogar also informed the court that the Punjab Government had recently detained Saeed under the Maintenance of Public Order for 90 days, but was forced to free him after a review board comprising judges of the high court denied an application of the government to further extend the period of the JuD leader, said the Dawn report.

The report quoted lawyer as alleging that all the actions taken by the government against the petitioner had been on the pressure of the US and Indian lobby who for the last many years had been harbouring an unfounded assumption that Hafiz Saeed was somehow involved in Mumbai attacks.

He asked the court to restrain the government from taking any illegal action against the JuD leader.&nbsp;

The next hearing in the case will be on April 4

The possible arrest of Hafiz Saeed, co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the chief of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD), was further stayed on Wednesday. According to the Dawn, the Lahore High Court extended stay against the possible arrest of Saeed as law officers of the federal and provincial governments sought time to file their replies. The court passed the stay order while hearing a petition filed by Saeed, in which he expressed fear of being arrested by the Pakistani government at the behest of the United States and India. Justice Aminuddin Khan had on January 24 restrained the Ministry of Interior and the Punjab home department from taking any illegal action against Saeed. The next hearing in the case will be on April 4. Saeed's lawyer A.K. Dogar told the court that his client is an eminent social worker, who founded JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and established 142 schools and three universities. Dogar also informed the court that the Punjab Government had recently detained Saeed under the Maintenance of Public Order for 90 days, but was forced to free him after a review board comprising judges of the high court denied an application of the government to further extend the period of the JuD leader, said the Dawn report. The report quoted lawyer as alleging that all the actions taken by the government against the petitioner had been on the pressure of the US and Indian lobby who for the last many years had been harbouring an unfounded assumption that Hafiz Saeed was somehow involved in Mumbai attacks. He asked the court to restrain the government from taking any illegal action against the JuD leader.

Pakistan court extends stay against Hafiz Saeed's arrest

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