Recovery of liquor from luggage: Supreme Court takes notice of not taking action against Atiqa Odhu

Expressing its disapproval over disparity in law observance, the SC took notice of an event, wherein Atiqa Odhu was not penalised after recovery of two bottles of imported liquor from her luggage at Islamabad Airport on June 5. Atiqa Odhu- Communication Advisor of All Pakistan Muslim League led by former President Pervaz Musharraf was carrying banned item including two imported bottles of liquor, when he was stopped from boarding a plane on June 5 (Saturday) at Islamabad Airport.
The SC took notice of the incident reported in the media. The court issued notices to DG ASF, IG Punjab and Chairman FBR and asked them to submit written reply regarding the incident. The court observed that a few days back an airhostess was held along with her husband for keeping narcotics in her possession so why Atiqa Odhu was not nabbed. The court also observed that as to why the matter of liquor was not dealt under Section 4 of Prohibition (Hadood) Ordinance of 1979 in case of Atiqa Odhu.
The report submitted by FBR said that liquor was seized, whereas criminal case was not registered as value of imported liquor was less than Rs 300,000 which did not provide justification to register a case. The CJP observed, "Let the chairman FBR explain as to whether there is difference between powerful/influential and ordinary person". The SC summoned IGP Punjab, DG ASF and Chairman FBR for Wednesday.