Audio leaks commission adjourns hearing
Reacting to the stay order issued by the Supreme Court on the proceedings of the audio-leaks inquiry commission, Justice Qazi Faez Isa questioned on Saturday why the Attorney General of Pakistan did not specify to the apex court that the contentions it has raised have already been clarified?
Justice Isa, who was appointed head of the three-member audio leaks commission notified by the federal government on May 20, observed that neither him nor his legal team was notified of the SC hearing that took place a day prior. Neither were the two other members of the commission present, he added.
In its order, the SC bench had held that consultation of the CJP is required for the nomination of high court judges in the inquiry.
Justice Isa asked whether AGP Mansoor Awan was notified about the hearing held by a five-member bench of the SC, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial a day earlier. The AGP replied in the negative and said he was simply told verbally to be present in the courtroom. “When the inquiry commission was not notified, how can it be prevented from continuing its work?” questioned Justice Isa, contending that such an order is typically issued after hearing all parties as per SC’s rules.
