ISLAMABAD: Farogh Naseem, Minister of Law & Justice alongside Special Assistant to PM on Accountability Shahzad Akbar held a Presser here today to answer queries about the VideoLeaks.
Informing that Judge Arshad Malik had been sent back to LHC, Farogh Naeem and Shahzad Akbar maintained that verdict in Al-Azizia reference would not be reversed until it is established that the judge was pressurized to deliver the verdict against deposed PM.
Shahzad Akbar, maintaining that a thorough probe must be conducted to expose all the characters involved in the scandal, said that unless money-trail regarding London properties was provided Nawaz Sharif could not be released.
The duo’s statement came apparently in response to the VP PML-N Maryam Nawaz and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif’s demand regarding release of Nawaz Sharif following removal of the judge who convicted him.
Farogh Naseem informing that for now the law ministry has stopped Arshad Malik from working as a judge told that in the affidavit Arshad Malik had said that he had issued the verdict sans intimidation.
In the affidavit Arshad Malik had alleged that Hussain Nawaz (son of deposed PM) had offered him a bribe of Rs. 500 million demanding his resignation on the grounds that he could no longer deal with the guilt of having convicted Nawaz under duress.
Law Minister pointed out that there was a punishment of a decade in prisons for attempting to bribe a judge, under National Accountability Ordinance Section 31.
Relevant Piece: Law Minister Barrister Farogh Naseem says Arshad Malik, the Judge of Accountability Court No. 2, has been temporarily barred from working on his position.
Addressing a news conference along with Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar in Islamabad this afternoon, he said the services of Judge Arshad Malik are being returned to Lahore High Court.
He said the decision to bar him from working has been made on the basis of his alleged video and press release issued by him. The Law Minister said barring the judge does not have any impact on the verdicts given by him.
He made it clear that no attempt will be tolerated to bring the courts under pressure.
The Law Minister said Arshad Malik in his affidavit said he gave the verdict without any pressure or fear. He said punishments exist for efforts to bribe or threaten judges.
Speaking on the occasion, with Special Assistant Shahzad Akbar said Panama case is a saga that starts on greed and ends on corruption.
Responding to a question, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar said Judge Arshad Malik was given offer of ten billion rupees as bribe. He said he was threatened by Sharif family through its right hand Nasir but if he did not obey their orders.
He further said that it was high time to expose all elements involved in this video scandal. (rp)
