IGP Transfer: SC to Conduct Trial Against Azam Sawati

Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday said that the Supreme Court will conduct Federal Minister Azam Swati’s trial under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution in a case pertaining to the misuse of the power case.

During the hearing the CJP remarked, “We have read Swati’s reply.” Turning to the federal minister, Justice Nisar said, “You are a person of authority. Do people in power treat their subordinates like this? Do rulers send women to jail because of issues involving cows?” The chief justice then turned to the Islamabad IGP and remarked, “You did not take any action on this matter?” To this, the Islamabad IGP responded, “Action was not taken as the case is being heard in court.” CJP added, “Why don’t we make an example out of Swati. Now, the court will conduct his trial under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution.”

Earlier a three-judge bench headed by the chief justice heard the suo motu case of the Islamabad IGP’s transfer, and directed  the Federal Minister for Science and Technology Senator Swati to submit a written reply by last night.

on the other hand this case took u-turn when US Department of Homeland Security reportedly  handed over an important letter to to joint investigation team (JIT) against Minister for Science and Technology Azam Khan Swati, stating that Swati falsely represented himself as an American national in the United States of America in 2000 and 2001.

“The record of proceedings reveal that on November 12, 2000, while in B-1, non-immigrant visa status, you completed a form L-40 in personal history sheet with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission indicating that you [Mr Swati] are a citizen of the United States. The file also includes a copy of your Voter Registration Address confirmation card. While in E-2, non-immigrant status, again you [Mr Swati] represented yourself to be a citizen of the United States by voting in the May 2001 City of Port Arthur Election. But you [Mr Swati] falsely represented yourself to be a citizen of United States of America after September 30, 1996; you [Mr Swati] are statutorily ineligible to adjust your status to a lawful permanent resident. Therefore, your application must be and is hereby denied. There is no appeal to this decision,” US Immigration and Customs Enforcement International Operations, through Embassy of United States Islamabad, responded to Pakistani authorities probing Mr Swati’s case.  The letter available with this correspondent has been clubbed with the JIT report.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had taken suo motu notice of Islamabad IGP Jan Muhammad’s abrupt transfer last month. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Islamabad, Jan Muhammad, was removed and directed to report to the Establishment Division for allegedly refusing to take action on the complaint by Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Azam Swati’s son and failing to pick calls from the federal minister.