SC orders Gov to stop ‘Departmental Prosecution’ against Qureshi;

Instructs to cancel transfer of his Team

Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered government to suspend all possible administrative action against FIA Additional Director General Zafar Qureshi besides directing the FIA’s Director-General to withdraw the transfer orders of four officials involved in the NICL scam probe who were part of Qureshi’s team.

On the proceedings of NICL case, Chief Justice, Supreme Court (SC) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has asked the Attorney General (AG) Maulvi Anwarul Haq about the reason behind the suspension of ADG (FIA) Zafar Qureshi on which the he presented the report against the Zafar Qureshi in court.

The AG was earlier issued notice on the reports of transfer of four FIA officials as well as suspension of Zafar Qureshi, investigating NICL scam, published in various leading newspapers of the country on July 03 to 05, 2011.

Qureshi was suspended from his position on July 4th. Zafar Qureshi reportedly believes that elements other than those involved in the Moonis Elahi case are equally responsible for his latest predicament.

In his remarks Chief Justice said that the government is interfering with the court’s proceedings and is not acting upon the court’s decision. Political reasons seem to be behind the suspension.

The Supreme Court ordered the government to stop the proceedings against Qureshi and CJ ordered the attorney general to appoint a name to investigate whether Zafar’s suspension was political or otherwise. If the government does not appoint a name, the court will appoint a man for the said purpose. The honourable court then adjourned the hearing till 13 July.