This is apropos to lead news that appeared in your esteemed paper (22 Jan) that Mansoor Ijaz’s visit hinges on security provided by the army. A total confusion prevails on the security of Mansoor Ijaz who is the prime witness in Memogate scandal. The matter is further compounded by the statement of interior minister that Mansoor Ijaz’s name be put on ECL on parliamentary committee’s direction, and he further added that provision of security is responsibility of interior ministry, not army or ISI.
This is not the only childish statement but many conflicting statements have appeared in the press to nab the witness before he appears in the commission. This is something very serious. Prior to Memogate, there was nothing against him, now suddenly so many actors have come forward with various charges to sort him out, the key witness. Behind the scenes, there is a tussle between army and interior ministry to provide security to Mansoor Ijaz and it is expected that notification is being issued asking army to come in aid of civil power.
On the other hand, Mansoor’s attorney Advocate Akram Shaikh have demanded a battalion of army for the protection of the witness. This simply means that Mansoor Ijaz is not only being prevented but hurdles are being created to prevent him to appear before the commission. These threats constitute contempt of court and cannot be taken lightly. On the face of it, it appears that the interior minister is bent upon to frighten away Mansoor Ijaz to appear before the commission. Under such threats no sane person would put his life in danger unless 100 percent security is not guaranteed. The point to understand is that apart from verifying exchange of messages between him and the ex-ambassador Husain Haqqani, he has to verify the contents of a report prepared by DG ISI after meeting Mansoor Ijaz abroad.
MUKHTAR AHMED
Karachi
