Islamabad High Court Extends Deadline for Attorney General's Reply in Audio Leaks Case
Introduction:
In a recent development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a directive to the attorney general for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, to submit his reply within four weeks regarding the audio leaks case. This order came during the hearing of a petition filed by the son of former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Saqib Nisar, who challenged his summoning before the special committee investigating the alleged audio tapes involving judges and politicians. The court has also extended its injunction against summoning the former chief justice's son before the committee.
Court Proceedings:
Justice Babar Sattar of the IHC presided over the hearing and instructed Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan to provide copies of his reply to all concerned parties. The court has appointed Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, Mian Raza Rabbani, Makhdoom Ali Khan, and Barrister Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha as amici curiae in the case.
Background:
On May 31, the IHC suspended the summons issued to Najam Saqib, the son of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, by the Parliamentary Committee established to investigate the alleged audio leaks. The court requested the government to clarify the individuals responsible for recording the audio conversations. Najam Saqib filed a petition arguing that the parliamentary panel, headed by Aslam Bhootani, was constituted in violation of the National Assembly rules. Although he claimed not to have been summoned, the committee's secretary still asked him to appear before the panel.
Attorney General's Position:
During the hearing, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan informed the court that the matter was already sub judice in the Supreme Court. He requested the IHC to await the decision of the apex court regarding the questions discussed in this case.
Court's Decision:
The court, considering the ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court, adjourned the case until August 16. The IHC's decision to extend the deadline for the attorney general's reply provides him with four additional weeks to submit the required response.
Conclusion:
The Islamabad High Court has granted an extension for the attorney general of Pakistan to submit his reply in the audio leaks case. The court's decision came during the hearing of a petition filed by the son of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, challenging his summoning before the special committee investigating the purported audio tapes involving judges and politicians. The case has garnered significant attention, and the court has taken steps to ensure transparency by appointing amici curiae. As the legal proceedings continue, the final decision will be awaited, shedding light on the matter and its implications for the Pakistani legal system.