At least now sense has prevailed as Chief Justice of Pakistan decided to detach himself from the three member bench hearing the suo motu notice over allegations that Arsalan Iftikhar, son of the chief justice, has received millions of rupees and other facilities from a real estate business house. The reason cited for his stepping down was to avoid any conflict of interest. Earlier another bench of Supreme Court insisted that they can hear and decide upon a contempt of court case and by this the possibility of clash of interest was ignored very conveniently. In that case prime minister was tried and punished despite his lawyer’s protest that the bench should not violate the common sense that a judge shall not hear a contempt case against himself.
It’s being alleged that Bahria Town owners spent millions of rupees on Arsalan and his immediate family members’ foreign visits in a bid to garner favours from the Chief Justice who has been hearing corruption cases against Bahria town. It may be true that Chief Justice may not be influenced in his decisions but the question is: how come Chief Justice didn’t notice that his wife, son and son’ family is spending their holidays in most expensive European capitals. Arsalan has been a government officer, doing some business in last few years, millions of people was doing same sort of business in Pakistan – how many of them can afford their summer holidays in five star hotels in Europe! Apparently it is a case of double corruption wherein bribes were received but job was not done as promised.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
