ATTORNEY-General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor, who had become controversial for a number of reasons, has resigned citing demands from Pakistan Bar Council for his resignation. However, statements of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Law Minister Farogh Nasim show the move was not in deference to the demand of PBC but he was asked to resign due to his bad performance in the apex court in Justice Faez Isa case.
The Prime Minister acted wisely by seeking resignation of the AG, who made a statement before the Supreme Court, which the Government found difficult to defend. The Law Minister also asserted that Anwar Mansoor’s version was based on lies and the government had no idea about the allegations against the apex court judges. The episode had the potential to create misunderstanding between the two pillars of the state and therefore, the Prime Minister took timely measure of sacking the AG to satisfy the judges who had asked Anwar Mansoor to provide evidence to support his contention or tender an apology. AG’s is a constitutional office designed to provide advice to the Government on legal matters and also assist the apex court. Apart from Justice Faez Isa case, otherwise too, Anwar Mansoor brought overall disrepute to the prestigious office by indulging into highly partisan activities. He made political statements and even became part of the tirade against the opposition, which was in clear violation of demands of his office. His statements and actions often created problems for the Government as well. It is hoped that his successor would learn lesson from the mistakes that Mansoor made and uphold the dignity of the prestigious office.
