SC suspends IHC orders in audio leaks case involving Bushra Bibi and Najam Saqib

The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) suspended on Monday the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) orders from May 29 and June 25 regarding the ongoing audio leaks case involving former first lady Bushra Bibi and Najam Saqib, the son of former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the Supreme Court ruled that the Islamabad High Court had overstepped its authority by taking suo motu action, a power it does not possess.

The court, during the Monday hearing, instructed that the Islamabad High Court cease further proceedings in the case until further notice. 

Additionally, the Supreme Court requested that the federal government submit the full record of the audio leaks case. Notices were also issued to both Bushra Bibi and Najam Saqib.

During the hearing, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan voiced his concerns about the barriers to uncovering the truth in such sensitive matters.

He pointed out that whenever an inquiry commission is formed to investigate the truth, it is often halted by a stay order from the Supreme Court. 

He also criticised the lack of progress in scheduling the audio leaks case for a hearing in the Supreme Court and questioned the attempts to obstruct parliamentary efforts to uncover the truth.

Justice Aminuddin Khan added that the possibility of the involved parties themselves leaking the audio should not be overlooked, especially given the widespread availability of recording systems on modern mobile phones. 

He inquired if the Islamabad High Court had determined who was responsible for recording the audio, to which the Additional Attorney General responded that the investigation was still ongoing and no conclusion had been reached yet.

Later, the Supreme Court adjourned the case for an indefinite period.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori