Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to appear before the Federal Investigation Agency Court in Lahore tomorrow.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the media on Friday that Prime Minister Shehbaz had decided to appear before the FIA court tomorrow, and that the premier had directed all other party leaders and ministers to face cases in court as well.
He stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz had expressed complete trust in the judiciary and believed that he would receive justice from the courts.
The law minister also stated unequivocally that no high-profile cases had been rescinded.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court barred the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from withdrawing high-profile cases from court. The Supreme Court also prohibited new appointments and transfers of officials involved in high-profile cases, NAB cases, and special courts.
While hearing a suo motu case relating to “perceived interference” by “persons in authority” in investigations and legal proceedings of criminal matters against government officials, the Supreme Court issued notices to NAB Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal, FIA Director-General, and the Interior Secretary.
On Thursday, a five-member Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial heard the case.
PM Shehbaz meets with a delegation of senior lawyers
PM Shehbaz met with a delegation of senior lawyers in Islamabad earlier on Friday, including Supreme Court Bar Association President Ahsan Bhoon, Pakistan Bar Council Chief Hafeezur Rehman, Lahore High Court Bar President Akbar Dogar, and others.
The meeting was also attended by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf.
Premier Shehbaz expressed gratitude for the senior lawyers’ trust in the current government, saying that lawyers were an asset to the country. The government would fully cooperate with the legal profession in carrying out their professional duties.
He also directed Law Minister Tarar to begin work immediately on enacting amendments to the Lawyers’ Protection Act and the Bar Council Act.
The senior lawyers congratulated Shehbaz on his appointment as Prime Minister. They claimed that the legal profession was working to strengthen democracy. They also lauded the government for guiding the country out of the constitutional crisis. They hoped that the government would be able to stabilize the economy as well.
