Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui issued notices to the litigants to restart hearing of the case regarding provision of a bulletproof car and foolproof security to the former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, for second week of July.

Justice Siddiqui issued notice to all the parties in compliance with the order of a division bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) that allowed the federal government to file for reclaiming the bulletproof car from the former CJP, and remanded back the case to the single bench with directions to hear all the parties and conclude the case. The division bench in its order mentioned reasons to set aside the single bench verdict among which the main point was, “Order passed without hearing the concerned ministries.” The single bench comprising Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui in January 2014 had ordered that the former chief justice shall be provided foolproof security along with possession of the aforementioned bulletproof car for his and his family’s use without putting embargo of any time specification.” The Additional Attorney General (AAG), Afnan Karim Kundi, had argued that it was envisaged that the ex-CJP would arrange security for himself, during three-month period but the single bench held that the time-specific clause was unfeasible, unrealistic and is discriminatory. The IHC judge had also directed the Law Ministry to bear the expenses of maintenance of car.

Apart from the bulletproof car, Kundi had maintained that a 2400cc Mercedes-Benz car has been availed by the ex-CJP though he could only avail 1800cc car under the post-retirement benefits.

Kundi had argued that there was no precedent for the provision of a bulletproof car to any former CJP, and if the practice was allowed, it will not only open the door for all retired judges of the superior judiciary to seek the same but would also be discriminatory under Article 25 of the Constitution.