Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Monday remarked that no compromise on corruption had been made earlier nor would it be made in the future.
He gave these remarks while presiding over a three-member bench of Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of corrupt practices in construction of new Islamabad airport on Monday.
CJP observed, “Everyday new cases are coming out in the open with reference to corruption. We want transparency ensured in all matters. Corruption will not be tolerated. Time has come for transparency to be taken into consideration in every matter. Much has been done with the country and it is better that more experiments are not done.”
The petitioner, Asif Fasihuddin Virdig, argued during the course of hearing that preliminary estimate of airport construction project was worked out at Rs 37 billion, which had now swelled to Rs 90 billion.
“The Civil Aviation DG misused his powers,” he said
The CJP said the court had never tolerated corruption and malpractices earlier and would not do so in the future as well.
Iftikhar Gilani, counsel for federation, argued that the office against which the petition had been filed stood abolished.
Justice Jawad S Khawaja asked for the summary in respect of appointment of DG.
Shah Khawar read out the summary regarding the matter.
Justice Jawad remarked, “Temporary appointment is something else, while no one being appointed to the post is another. Summary is showing that.”
Shah said, “The prime minister makes such appointments and no advertisement is required for such posts. The federal government makes temporary appointments.”
To this, the CJP asked Shah how many things could the court ignore.
Iftikhar Gilani said “His name came from Kamra. His services were appreciated when JF-17 Thunder was developed in collaboration with China.”
Justice Jawad remarked, “Qualification of others will also have to be seen. Some one dreamt one thing and the appointment was made. We are not looking into advertisement matter for the time being.”
The CJ said an authentic summary of the appointment should have been sent, but the “summary was sent over telephonic talk”.
Justice Jawad added that principles should not be compromised in connection with appointment of anyone.
The petitioner said the airport project was not transparent from the very beginning. The court sought reply from the petitioner on auditor general’s report within 24 hours, directing him to inform the court about the details of PEPRA rules and the conditions for appointment of DG.
The hearing of the case was adjourned until Tuesday (today).