–SC says it is not mandatory for army officials to disclose assets, says FBR may intervene in case of misrepresentation of assets
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday upheld Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision outlining that court-martial of military officials over non-disclosure of financial assets was not possible.
Additional Attorney General Sajid Ilyas, during the hearing of a review petition against Colonel Munir who was indicted in 1999 over non-disclosure of his assets, said that army officials were expected to remain transparent regarding their assets because concealment of assets would amount to dishonesty.
A three-member bench of SC, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Ejazul Ahsan and Justice Umar Ata Bandial, said that it was not mandatory for military officials to disclose their assets.
CJP Nisar said that in case of misrepresentation of assets, the matter would fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Meanwhile, Justice Ejaz remarked that statements given to an unauthorised institution would not qualify as misconduct.
A decade ago, Colonel Munir was court-martialed for non-disclosure of his assets. However, the LHC had set aside the decision and had reinstated him. The verdict was challenged in the apex court, which had also dismissed the petition.
During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Ilyas said that it was an obligation of a military official to be truthful and honest in his conduct. The bench, however, observed that military courts had no jurisdiction to remove any official on the basis of non-disclosure of assets.
Following the decision, Colonel Munir would get all retirement benefits.