- Counsel requests SC to direct investigators to stop video recording of proceedings immediately
- Haris demands SC judge-led commission to probe circulation of Hussain’s photo on social media
- JIT head submits second report in a sealed envelope before three-member SC bench
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), which is investigating Panama Papers case, to submit response over leaking of Hussain Nawaz’s picture of his appearance before it.
A three-member special implementation bench of the apex court headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and comprising Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan heard the Panama implementation case.
During the proceedings, Khawaja Haris Ahmad, counsel for Hussain, appeared and pleaded the court to constitute an independent commission headed by a retired or sitting judge of the apex court to inquire into the circumstances leading to the leaking of his client’s photograph on social media and to identify the person or persons responsible for the same.
He also pleaded the court to direct JIT members to immediately stop the video recording of its proceedings relating to recording of statement and interrogation of witnesses. Haris said that the photo leak was against ethical and legal codes and recording videos of the JIT’s proceedings was similar to pressurising witnesses appearing before the body.
He said that the recording of proceedings does not allow witnesses to speak without being treated like a criminal. He said that recording the statement of a witness was a violation of the Sections 161 (public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an official act) and 162 (taking gratification for exercise of personal influence with public servant) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
“The manner and timing of the release of the photograph has raised questions about the motives of the person or persons behind this sordid affair, he said. Justice Ejaz remarked that Hussain Nawaz’s leaked picture was screen shot and not of video recording. He remarked that let the bench first hear the JIT over the issue.
“If need arises of detailed investigation then the court will look into it,” he added. The court asked the JIT to file its response to Hussain’s plea and adjourned hearing for Monday (June 12). JIT head Wajid Zia submitted its second report in a sealed envelope. The bench after reviewing the report advised the JIT to submit a separate application listing the problems, obstacles and difficulties being faced in completing the assigned task.
Justice Ejaz Afzal remarked that the court would issue directions to the attorney general based on the application. He hoped that the team would complete the task in the given time. The bench reiterated that the JIT would not be allowed extra time to complete the task assigned to it. “We will not allow extra time under any circumstances,” Justice Azmat remarked.
Online adds: The Joint Investigation Team has once again summoned Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz on June 9 and June 10 respectively at 11am. According to the summons, Hussain will appear before JIT on Friday at 11am while Hassan will appear on Saturday to face more investigation.
