Forensic examination of Memo evidence today

LONDON: Two central characters of the Memogate scandal Mansoor Ijaz and Husain Haqqani have been asked by the Judicial Commission probing the memo scandal to attend the High Commission of Pakistan here on Thursday for a forensic examination of their blackberry handsets, computer documents and emails related to the Memo inquiry.

The memo Commission has issued notices to both parties to either appear in person or instruct their representatives to appear before the forensic experts at the High Commission of Pakistan.

The Memo Commission has chosen an independent forensic expert based here in London who will submit a report to the commission after going through the evidence of both witnesses. The Secretary of the Memo Commission Raja Abbas has arrived in London to oversee the forensic proceedings which may take until Friday to complete.

Mansoor Ijaz, the US business tycoon of Pakistani origin, arrived in London on Wednesday to comply with the Honourable Judicial Commission's order to submit the evidence in his possession for the forensic examination. It was not clear whether Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's former ambassador to the USA, will appear in person or through his lawyers.

Speaking to The News, Mansoor Ijaz invited Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani, currently in London on official business, to attend the forensic examination at the High Commission so he can learn the truth firsthand "without any reservations, and ifs or buts".

Masnoor Ijaz said: "I look forward to the final truth being placed on the record in the Judicial Commission's inquiry and to bringing this important exercise in transparency on the activities of certain Pakistani government and ex-government officials to the full light of day so that nation's people may be better served by its future elected representatives."