SC rejects plea seeking not to arrest Malik Qayyum

He is ex judge of LHC and ex attorney general & soon to be a prisoner. He has seen all sides of law. :smiley:

http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\01\20\story_20-1-2012_pg7_19

SC rejects plea seeking not to arrest Malik Qayyum

  • Court says former attorney general misused his official authority

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a plea seeking not to arrest former attorney general of Pakistan Malik Muhammad Qayyum, saying he had misused his official authority by writing to the Swiss authorities to close graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Appearing on a notice, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Prosecutor General KK Agha told a seven-judge special bench headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk, which was hearing the NRO implementation matters, that though arrest warrants for Malik Qayyum had been issued, but he would be allowed time until he recovers from illness.

However, Agha insisted that he would have to join the inquiry under an order of the apex court, as the former attorney general was not attending the NAB inquiry. Wasim Sajjad, counsel for Malik Qayyum, pleaded that his client had been medically operated upon and should not be arrested. He said that his case should be transferred to the Pakistan Bar Council as he was a lawyer.

Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany remarked that the case against his client pertained to misuse of authority. The court, rejecting the plea, questioned whether Malik Qayyum above the law for being a lawyer. The court said that Malik Qayyum, being the attorney general, misused his official authority.

Malik Qayyum had written a letter to the Swiss authorities for closure of graft cases against President Zardari after NRO deal was struck between former president Pervez Musharraf and the PPP leadership. Meanwhile, the court adjourned further hearing till February 1.

Earlier, NAB Chairman Admiral (r) Fasih Bokhari submitted his written unconditional apology, which he verbally tendered a few days ago, over his defiant conduct before the court during the last hearing of the NRO implementation case. He assured the court that he would ensure implementation of the NRO verdict in letter and spirit.