CJ gives approval for two Judges to head Inquiry Commissions

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Monday gave approval over government's requests for nominating two Judges of the Supreme Court Justice Javed Iqbal, the senior most Judge and Justice Mian Saqib Nisar to head two separate inquiry commissions to investigate US operation in Abbotabad and murder case of journalist Saleem Shahzad.

The government through secretary, ministry of Law had approached the apex court on Sunday by sending two letters making request to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to appoint Judges of the Supreme Court to head the inquiry commissions to look into the incidents of Abbottablad on May 2 and assassination of Saleem Shahzad on May 29 respectively.

The government in its letter made request for nominating Judge to act as President of Commission, to be constituted under section 3 of Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956 (Act VI of 1956), for indepth probe into the Abbottabad incident.

The Chief Justice giving his approval on the request said "The request so made has been considered carefully and in a discreet manner. Although this Court is already short of its sanctioned strength and Judges are committed to administer justice even beyond their capacity, while continuously holding the benches at Principal seat and Branch Registries and on account of tremendous increase of the institution of the cases, they have to discharge their functions beyond the normal working hours.

However, keeping in view the national interest to probe into afore-noted incident, Justice Javed Iqbal Senior Judge is hereby nominated as President of the Commission.

While through another letter, the government on June 19 through Ministry of Law and Justice made request for nominating Judge of the Court to act as President of Commission, to be constituted under section 3 of Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956 (Act VI of 1956), for indepth probe of the mysterious assassination of Journalist Saleem shahzad.

"Justice Mian Saqib Nisar is hereby nominated as President of the Commission. It is expected that the Competent Authority, while nominating the other members will also consider their status qua the position of President of the commission, being Judge of the Apex Court," the Chief Justice in his order noted while making another nomination.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011