Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that the completion of electoral process in adverse circumstances was a good omen.
He gave these remarks while presiding over a three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of Intelligence Bureau (IB) secret fund and use of secret fund in 27 other ministries case on Monday.
“Holding elections in adverse circumstances is a good omen. We are grateful to Almighty Allah on this count. This is a matter of satisfaction that electoral process has been completed. The situation of Balochistan and Karachi is before all of us. Accusing some one is easy but proving it is difficult thing. No compromise can be made on national security. There are certain matters which have to be dealt with secretly,” the CJP observed.
An enveloped report was presented from the IB director general in the court whereby the court was informed that the IB had not paid more than Rs 3 million to any journalist. “The report be kept confidential as it relates to matters of national security which cannot be made public,” the IB requested.
The court granted the plea of IB for keeping the report secret, but expressed displeasure over it. The nation should be informed about the details of the public wealth that has been spent, the court remarked.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja said, “As many as 33 hearings have taken place but the attorney general (AG) has not told the court that secret funds were used in 27 ministries for what purpose. Public money is not a thing that can be spent and no account be rendered where it has been spent. We will take account of every pie. The court be told the details about it.”
The CJP remarked, “National security cannot be compromised. In certain vital matters, money can be spent secretly. A lot has to be done for the sake of national interest and sovereignty.”
The court then directed the petitioner to present before it by May 15 the evidence on utilisation of funds with reference to IB for pulling down the Punjab government.
The hearing of the case was adjourned until May 15.