ISLAMABAD - The counsel of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Khurshid Shah Thursday sought time from the Supreme Court of Pakistan to withdraw his bail plea.
A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Mushir Alam conducted hearing of the bail plea of Khurshid Shah and his family members. Sherry Rehman, Nayyar Bukhari and other PPP leaders were also present during the hearing.
During the hearing, Justice Tariq Masood advised Makhdoom Ali Khan, who represented Khurshid Shah, to plead issue of hardship before the high court, as the apex court may not consider it. He said that if they (SC) dismissed the bail application then Khurshid Shah would not have any option.
Earlier, Makhdoom Ali Khan argued before the bench that due to delay in trial many accused were granted bail, but his client was still behind the bars. Justice Tariq said that this issue was not raised before the High Court. Justice Mushir questioned that who was responsible for the delay. He added that on every date one or other accused seeks adjournment. He said that the court decides the cases after examining all aspects.
Justice Tariq asked from the lawyer that a point which had not been raised in the High Court could not be taken up before the Supreme Court. However, Makhdoom Ali Khan said that the Supreme Court itself could examine any fact of the case.
Justice Tariq Masood asked the counsel to approach the high court and raise the issue of hardship there. He said that the court might not consider the issue of delay, as it was not discussed before the high court.
Later, the bench adjourned the hearing till Friday (today) as the counsel sought time to withdraw the bail plea from the Supreme Court. He told that after taking instruction, he would apprise the court on Friday. The bench will also hear bail applications of Khurshid Shah’s wife and son as well.
At the start of the proceedings, Makhdoom Ali Khan argued that the NAB had closed inquiry against his client. He said that Khurshid Shah’s all documents including wealth tax were on record.
Justice Tariq Masood questioned that how many foreign trips were made by PPP leader and his family members. He noted that according to NAB record Khurshid Shah and his family made 140 foreign trips. Makhdoom Ali Khan said that travel expenses and its details were not part of the reference. The NAB has not framed any charges related to travel expenses. He further said that there was not a single word about travel expenses in the reference.
Justice Sardar Tariq inquired that what would he say about family members’ independence. The lawyer informed that it was given in the tax returns that how long the family members were dependent on Khurshid Shah.
Talking to media, PPP leader Sherry Rehman said that Khurshid Shah had been in NAB custody for the last 21 months. She also said that the court had summoned Khurshid’s family. She added that why the NAB was taking so long to complete the inquiry against him and his family members. She said that the PPP entire leadership was in the country and facing the court cases.
She said that new media ordinance was like mini-martial law as the government wanted to control the media and opposition. She said that the federal government has prepared budget after taking instruction from the IMF.
Responding to a journalist’s question that the PPP is in contact with the establishment, she said that it is before everyone who are talking to the establishment and those who are in contact with the established are getting benefit.