ISLAMABAD
Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained Public Accounts Committee (PAC) from taking disciplinary action against DG NAB Lahore Shahzad Salim.
The court remarked during the hearing of the case “ we are not issuing stay order in connection with PAC proceedings. You issue warrants etc, we are stopping from taking such steps.
The case came up for hearing before a single bench of IHC presided over by the acting Chief Justice (CJ) of IHC Justice Amir Farooq on Wednesday.
The court inquired from Tayyaba Gul how she is aggrieved party and why she wants to become party to the case. What is law for becoming party in some other case. There are two ways. Tell us. You are complainant before PAC then how you can become party here.
The court issued notices on the petition from Tayyaba Gul for becoming party in the case.
The court while directing the counsel for Tayyaba Gul to give arguments in next hearing on the petition filed by Tayyaba Gul for becoming party in the case remarked Attorney General (AG) was directed to give arguments about the jurisdiction of Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
NAB prosecutor told the court the parliament is not fully exempted under article 69. SC decision is there on the parliamentary exemption . Here the matter relates to irregularity of PAC.
The court remarked PAC too comes in the parliament.
Special Prosecutor (SP) NAB told the court only parliament proceedings is granted exemption.
The court remarked “ you are saying this only procedural proceedings of the parliament is granted exemption under article 69.
NAB prosecutor told the court yes this is the pith and essence.
The court remarked PAC is domain of parliament.
Additional Prosecutor General (APG) NAB presented copy of National Assembly rules before the court.
The court remarked you are saying this if there is standing committee of law and justice then its job is only to see the laws.
The court inquired what is that matter which is pending in PAC.
NAB prosecutor told the court Tayyaba Gill has lodged complaints against former chairman NAB , DG NAB Lahore and others. PAC direction is very important which has been given by it. Committee had summoned former chairman NAB. The petition of Tayyaba Gill is pending hearing in the court at Lahore. PAC transgressed its powers. The investigation officers who are seeing the high profile cases, their names were also put in this list. The copy of stay order issued by Peshawar High Court in this matter was also presented before the court. When writ was filed , notice has been received by us for today that the interior ministry should ensure their presence today.
The court remarked you were directed to give arguments on the maintainability of the petition but now Supreme Court decision is there.
Deputy Attorney General (DAG) told the court SC decision is of different nature.
The court remarked we have to see the legal aspects not the political aspects.
The court issued notices to the parties concerned on the petition from DG NAB Lahore Shahzad Salim regarding PAC. Notices were issued to secretary National Assembly and secretary PAC.
The court rejected DAG plea for not issuing notice to PA.
DAG said issuing notice to PAC means issuing notice to Chairman PAC.
The court remarked if notice can be sent to chairman Senate then why not to chairman PAC. Chairman Senate filed application before me and contested the case. The court adjourned further hearing of the case.
