SC wraps up Memogate scandal, says state’s decision to go after Hussain Haqqani

The Supreme Court (SC) wrapped up on Thursday the Memogate scandal that involved former ambassador to the United States (US) Husain Haqqani.

Back in 2011, Haqqani allegedly requested US in a memo to help Pakistan civilian government against its military after May 2 raid that had killed Osama bin Laden. The memo had been delivered to a high-ranking official asking for its support in the domestic disruption that had occurred after the raid.

The court proceedings had started after the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had demanded Haqqani’s resignation. However, Haqqani had denied having anything to do with the memo.

During the hearing today, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Asif Saeed Khosa noted that no one on behalf of the petitioner had appeared before it. The SC asked why the court was pursuing the case. The CJP asked whether Pakistan’s democracy was so weak that a memo could collapse it and said that Pakistan is a strong country.

Wrapping up the case, the top court contended that if the state wishes to pursue this matter and bring back Haqqani, then it was up to it.