Can’t even think of committing contempt of court, Fawad tells SC

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday summoned Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry to explain his position with regard to his recent statement on the transfer of the capital city police chief Jan Muhammad.  

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing a suo motu case pertaining to removal of the Inspector General of Police Islamabad.

Taking exception to the statement of the federal minister, the chief justice asked him to appear at 11:50am to explain as to “who did he taunt” when he questioned the purpose of holding elections in the country if the elected prime minister couldn’t even suspend an IGP.

When the bench resumed hearing of the case after a break, the minister said he has great respect for the apex court and cannot even think of indulging in any contempt of court.

He said the government was facing difficulties with regard to the bureaucracy.

The chief justice pointing to Fawad said:  “You, not the bureaucracy has to rule.”

Speaking to media outside Parliament House a

day earlier, Fawad said the IGs were answerable to the prime minister and chief minister. “If the government is to be run by bureaucrats, then there might be no need for elections as a few bureaucrats might be appointed to run the government.”

Defending the IGP Islamabad’s transfer, he said the police officer was transferred owing to complaints about widespread use of drugs in the capital’s schools and collages and bribery in police stations and check points.

On Monday, the top court suspended a notification regarding removal of IGP Islamabad Jan Muhammad when it was informed that he was removed on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The bench expressed extreme displeasure over removal of the IG Islamabad, saying the way he was sent packing is pathetic.

Attorney General Anwar Mansoor informed that the IGP was removed on the verbal directives of the prime minister.

On Oct 27, the grade-20 officer of the Police Services of Pakistan (PSP) was removed and directed to report to the Establishment Division, according to a notification issued by the division.