The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday gave another opportunity to the federal government to file its reply on a petition challenging US drone attacks on Pakistani soil, which have killed hundreds of innocent people. Earlier, the deputy attorney general (DAG) requested Justice Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain to adjourn the hearing, as the reply had not been given on behalf of the federal government. The judge adjourned the hearing until May 5 and directed the DAG to ensure submission of the reply until the next date of hearing.
Barrister Iqbal Jaffrey filed the petition challenging US drone attacks inside Pakistan and the ‘suspicious silence’ of the federal government on the sensitive matter. Jaffrey blasted the rulers for their callousness towards national interests. He alleged that rulers are enjoying a lavish lifestyle and literally selling sovereignty of the country only to prolong their rule with blessing of the US.
The petitioner requested the court to ask the federal government for a comprehensive report about the agreement with the US and security company Xe, if any, regarding drone attacks. Jaffrey said that the federal government should also furnish the number of drone attacks and the number of people killed and compensation provided to the victims. He submitted that former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf is responsible for drone attacks in Pakistan, as his unwise foreign policy had turned Pakistan into a weak state.
The petitioner requested the court to direct the rulers to disclose details of their assets as well, as they had pledged national sovereignty to the US for personal gains.
