PM informed the SC that the govt has decided to withdraw the letter written to Swiss authorities by former Attorney General Malik Abdul Qayyum
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf informed the Supreme Court today that the government has decided to withdraw the letter written to the Swiss authorities by former Attorney General Malik Abdul Qayyum. Prime Minister who appeared before the apex court this morning in the NRO implementation case said the law minister has been directed to take steps in this regard. Prime Minister informed the the five member bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa that the decision has been taken after reviewing all complexities of the case from different angles. He said general elections are not far away and we want such resolution of this issue that upholds the dignity of both the Judiciary and the office of the President. The bench asked the government to take four steps to avoid any further delay in the case. Firstly the powers of withdrawing the letter be delegated to the Law Ministry in writing by tomorrow. Secondly the draft of the letter be presented before the apex court. Thirdly‚ it should be decided as to who will send the letter to Swiss authorities. The fourth step requires the confirmation of the receipt of the letter by the Attorney General of Geneva. The bench said it wants this chapter to be closed at the earliest without any further delay. The court appreciated the Prime Minister's better understanding of the matter. Law Minister Farooq H Naek assured the court that possible steps will be taken for the resolution of this matter. In his remarks Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said that the time for consultation has passed and now they have to write the letter. He told the Prime Minister that the matter should be settled positively by the 2nd of next month. Hearing of the case has been adjourned till Tuesday next. The Court expempted the Prime Minister from personally appearing in the next hearing.
