PTI lawmakers come under fire in SC over ‘sheltering land grabbers’

–Top judge lashes out at MNA Karamat Khokhar, MPA Nadeem Abbas over ‘meddling in police affairs’

–Will PTI make ‘naya Pakistan’ by helping thugs? CJP asks

–CJP Nisar orders police to arrest infamous land grabber Mansha Bam, summons both lawmakers in Islamabad

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers MNA Malik Karamat Khokhar and MPA Nadeem Abbas came under fire in the Supreme Court (SC) over allegedly meddling in the police affairs and sheltering land grabbers.

While hearing a case at the SC Lahore Registry regarding the illegal occupation of nine plots in Johar Town area, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar asked, “Since when has the PTI has started behaving like thugs?”

He added, “Did people vote for you for this? Are you going to make a new Pakistan while helping thugs?”

“Karamat Khokhar, you will not go back as an MNA if found guilty in today’s inquiry,” the CJP said. “I will not let any thug live in the country.”

According to the overseas petitioner, Mahmood Ashraf, a land grabber Mansha Bam had allegedly grabbed his property while police were reluctant to take action against the grabbers.

During the hearing, the CJP inquired, “Who is Mansha Bomb?” He was informed by the Superintendent Police (SP) Mohammad Maaz that the man was a notorious land grabber in Johar Town who, along with his sons, has been accused of illegally snatching land in Johar Town belonging to multiple people.

“70 cases have been registered against Mansha,” the SP apprised the bench.

“When we took action on the court’s orders, we began receiving calls to stop our operation,” the police official said.

The SP stated that PTI MNA Khokhar had influenced the police over the issue.

Khokhar denied knowing Mansha Bam. He said he had not called the SP but the deputy inspector general (DIG). At this point, the CJP issued orders to immediately arrest Mansha and summoned the DIG.

PTI MPA Nadeem Abbas alleged that a police officer had framed him in baseless cases, adding that he would resign if found guilty. To this, the CJP said he should go ahead and resign first, “but you won’t have the courage to do so”.

LAWMAKERS SUMMONED IN ISLAMABAD:

Subsequently, Khokhar was issued a notice for lying in court, while he and Abbas both were summoned to the SC in Islamabad on Monday.

“Why don’t we initiate contempt proceedings against you for your wrong testimony?” the CJP asked Khokhar. “You said in court you don’t know who Mansha Bam is. Then why did you phone the DIG for the release of Bam’s son?” the top judge asked the PTI leader.

“I beg the court’s pardon,” Khokhar said, to which the CJP responded: “Someone who lies cannot be sadiq and ameen. Your character is on display. If you lie to the people, how will you answer to them?” Justice Nisar asked.

“You should fear God. The people voted for you,” the chief justice told Khokhar.

When Abbas begged for forgiveness, Justice Nisar asked him to also travel to Islamabad tomorrow. “We will see if you should be forgiven or not,” he said.

“Bring your resignation letter with you, or I will write it for you,” he added.