CJP forms larger bench to take up funds issuance to MPs by PM

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed has constituted a five-judge bench on a notice taken by Justice Qazi Faez Isa regarding issuance of development funds to the lawmakers by Prime Minister Imran Khan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

The five-member larger bench will hear the case at 1:00 pm on Wednesday.

Headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, the other members of the bench included Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Musheer Alam, Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Ijazul Hassan.

The Supreme Court has also issued notices to the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary Cabinet Division, Secretary Finance, provincial advocates general and chief secretaries.

Justice Qazi Isa had on February 3 last taken notice of the release of development funds by Prime Minister Imran Khan to the lawmakers.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa has reportedly taken notice of the matter after reading a story published in a newspaper.

Justice Isa then remarked that the case would be forwarded to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) for the formation of a bench.

 Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan, on the occasion, said that he would inform the court after getting instructions from the government. “Whatever step the government takes will be in accordance with the rules, constitution and the court orders,” he assured.

Justice Isa told the attorney general if the release of development funds was found to be as per the rules and the constitution, the court would close the chapter. “Otherwise, the court will take action,” he maintained then.