ISLAMABAD - Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday gave a good dressing down to two ministers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led federal government.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar during the hearing of suo motu case regarding transfer of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad on alleged political influence summoned Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and admonished him for his earlier dubious statement on the matter.

A day ago Chaudhry had outside the Parliament questioned what was the point of elections when the prime minister could not even suspend an officer.

Taking exception, the CJP angrily questioned as to whom the minister was addressing by speaking on the matter, adding the government is bound to exercise its powers responsibly.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan, member of the bench, observed that ministers’ statements were irresponsible indirectly ridiculing the court.

The CJ observed that the Constitution has empowered the Supreme Court to take notice of the matter. “The same constitution has removed a prime minister,” the Chief Justice observed, adding that how a minister can say that an IGP is bound to entertain ministers.

Before arrival of Chaudhry, his brother Advocate Faisal Chaudhry told the bench that his brother can never think of ridiculing the court, adding that before minister his brother is also a lawyer.

However, the CJ directed Advocate Faisal to phone his brother for appearance. When the information minister appeared in the courtroom, the CJ addressed him remarking that this Court was not expecting such statement and expressed disappointment for taunting the court.

The minister responded that he was pointing at bureaucracy and not the court adding that there can be no question of uttering the words against judiciary.

The Chief Justice, however, remarked that he himself watched on television

Fawad Chaudhry further contended that there are some issues between the government and the bureaucracy and the government has the authority to transfer officials. Agreeing with the contention, the CJ observed that government has full authority but the approach of decisions without due process is wrong.

He also reminded the minister that the IGP was transferred for not picking up the phone of one person.

The information minister argued that Azam Sawati was not a person but a federal minister.

During the hearing, the CJ asked Chaudhry if the latter came to fight the case of Azam Sawati, questioning what comparison can there be between a poor man and a federal minister, while referring to the controversy.

The Chief Justice accepted Chaudhry’s explanation but inquired as to where is Azam Sawati remarking that the latter is appearing on TV channels and saying he will himself appear before the court. “Now where is he?” chief justice asked.

When Azam Sawati entered the courtroom, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Anwar Mansoor Khan and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry left the courtroom.

The Chief Justice remarked that the minister is such an important person that an entire family has been persecuted on his orders.

The Chief Justice also admonished the Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati saying “Will you fight the whole case on television?”

He further lambasted the minister that latter got entire family arrested. “Do those people have the same powers as you?” he further grilled the minister.  Swati tried to clear his position stating that he received a bomb threat.

Turning to the land acquired by Swati, the CJ asked as too much land Swati is acquiring.

The Chief Justice then remarked that this court will direct for conducting the survey and ordered Capital Development Authority to submit details as to how much land Swati is owning and whether the possession is legal or illegal.

He also ordered Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to submit the details of Swati whether he can travel to US or not. The Chief Justice also directed for production of family which was in scuffle with Swati on buffalo issue.

At the outset when the hearing commenced, AGP Khan submitted reply on behalf of the government on the issue stating that there are numerous complaints as stated by Minister of State (MOS) Interior including drug trafficking, extortion, unlawful detention of minor children and illegal arrest.

“In the circumstances, therefore, an appropriate application of mind by both the MOS for Interior and the Prime Minister (Minister In-charge for Interior) that the IG of police should be removed. Upon removal and once he reports to the Establishment Division, appropriate action in relation to each event is being contemplated also,” the reply stated.

The top court has adjourned the hearing for tomorrow.