The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) has ordered action against those involved in the developmental projects initiated by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Thursday.
Developmental projects worth Rs 52 billion were initiated by the former prime minister during the final days of his tenure. The SC has ordered to continue those projects in accordance with PEPRA rules while to halt the others violating its rules.
A three-member bench of apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad
Chaudhry in its ruling declared illegal the disbursement of Rs47 billion developmental funds by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in his own constituency ahead of the May general elections.
The Supreme Court in its judgment on PM's discretionary funds case ruled that the money was illegally released by the former prime minister.
The court also ordered action against the recipients of the fund released on the orders of ex-PM Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
The court declared the fund transfer as illegal, saying that the amount was disbursed against the law and legal procedures.
The court observed in its decision that gross violation of rules was resorted to in the release of discretionary funds.
Taking into consideration the rules and regulation, release of these funds is the prerequisite, observed the court.
Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf released funds worth Rs 47 billion few days prior to induction of the caretaker government.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had taken a suo moto
notice of the issuance of hefty amount.