Daily Times

LAHORE: The Supreme Court resumed on Saturday the hearing of a case pertaining to the Rs60 billion corruption in the Pakistan Railways.

Former railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafique presented himself before the court.

As the hearing commenced, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, who was presiding over the session at SC’s Lahore’s registry, asked Rafique if he had read the audit report.

The former railways’ minister responded that he was among those who had helped the department become stable.

Rafique then reminded the court that the code of conduct for judges does not allow them to insult anyone and said, “I am not here to be insulted.”

To this, justice Nisar assured that he will not be insulted and directed him to answer the questions that he would have been asked by the apex court.

To this Rafique said that he had come to the court to be appreciated but all he had received was criticism.

Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan then observed, “Submit your response and we will see if you deserve to be praised.”

The former railways’ minister then informed the court that he could not respond to the court on a 1000-page report. “I am not an accountant, I cannot respond to the report,” he said.

Rafique further argued, “Please tell me where does the report mention me or says I was involved in corruption.”

He then stressed that justice has not been served in his case.

Also read Saad Rafique summoned to court over allegations of corruption in Railways

Mentioning that he had been arrogant, the chief justice advised Rafique to correct his behaivour. “You had made up your mind, before coming to the court, that you will disrespect the court,” the to judge remarked.

Rafique responded that he could not imagine disrespecting the court. He also stated that he had made his best efforts to improve the railway department.

The chief justice then advised him to hire a lawyer or consultant regarding this.

Citing his engagements pertaining to the upcoming election, Rafique sought for one month’s time to submit his response.

The court then accepted Rafique’s request and adjourned the session.

On April 7, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of Rs 60 billion alleged corruption in the Pakistan Railways.

The top judge had directed the railways’ secretary and board members to appear before the court along with the audit reports and detail reasons for ‘losses’ worth Rs 60 billion incurred by the department.