Justice for all
The judicial commission probing the so called Memogate was mired in controversy from its very inception. Soon after its formation, Hussain Haqqani’s counsel Asma Jahangir called into question the commission’s independence. Calling it the commission of the Supreme Court’s will, in which judges of its own choice were included, she said she would not appear before it as she doubted its neutrality. While she maintained that the commission was under the influence of the establishment, she nevertheless confirmed that she would continue as counsel for Haqqani.
The commission worked under a charged political situation where opponents charged Haqqani on media of being a traitor despite his case being sub judice. Nothing was done to stop the media trial which was creating a hostile environment which could endanger Haqqani’s life who had voluntarily returned to Pakistan. In view of the earlier killing of Governor Taseer, Haqqani had to be provided special security. The subsequent events strengthened the view held by many regarding the commission’s partiality. Mansoor Ijaz who had repeatedly failed to appear before the commission despite firm promises finally refused to appear before it in Pakistan citing apprehensions about his security. He was promptly granted the video recording of his statement at a venue of his own choice, the Pakistan High Commission London. Inexplicably a similar request by Haqqani on identical grounds was not granted. The bias in the commission’s proceedings led Haqqani’s counsel to observe that the commission was in fact pleading Mansoor Ijaz’s case.
The findings of the commission are liable to be hotly disputed, particularly the one regarding Haqqani having himself written the memo. This is all the more questionable as Mansoor Ijaz had himself contradicted this. In a country where top politicians and many retired generals prefer to own property abroad, singling out Haqqani is unfair. There is a need on the part of the Supreme Court to hear the case with an open mind. Haqqani’s counsel should be given proper time to study the report and to seek her client’s advice. Any undue haste on the part of the SC would not serve the end of justice.
From what ever one could read in the newspapers about the proceedings of the Commission, it was absolutely clear that from day one, come hell or high water, the members of the commission particularly its chairman was rearing to put Haqqani on the stake evidence or no evidence. This is what has been done. No surprises!
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