Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said general elections were over and now only rule of law would prevail in the country.
The CJP made this observation while heading a three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing irregularities in the NewIslamabadAirport’s construction.
The SC proposed the government constitute a commission to probe into the irregularities in the construction of Islamabad airport and appointment of DG Civil Aviation Authority.
The CAA admitted in the court that irregularities had been committed in the construction of the airport, but that due notice had been taken of these irregularities and responsibility had also been fixed and proceedings initiated against the responsible.
The CJP remarked, “We are making it clear to the government that certain influential persons are involved in the irregularities committed in the construction of the new airport. No one will be able to touch them, let alone speak of initiation of any proceedings against them. The CAA has admitted it on its own that lapses have occurred. No one will be allowed to waste hard earned money of the poor people this way. It is a sorrowful state of affairs that no action was taken against the persons found responsible even on receipt of reports of NAB, Shahid Niaz and the auditor general. In very cautious manner we say, a lot is not fair in the airport project. We want all to do their respective jobs.”
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja remarked, “Even roads are not there for taking and bringing cargo. What is the use of it then? No landside infrastructure was there at all then how was the airport constructed?”
The CJP remarked, “We want you to ensure transparency in all matters. How much more relief can we provide?”
Referring to a decision, Shah Khawar said “The elected government is authorised to review all new steps taken by the caretaker set up. Temporary appointments should also be made in a transparent manner.”
The CJP remarked, “If you consider court’s decision as criterion, then matters will improve. The care taker government made 400 appointments by transgressing its powers, but you are facing problems reviewing them.”
He added, “The court cannot work the way police and other institutions do. All institutions will have to do their jobs on their own. The government set in deterioration and it should set it right on its own.”
