CJ points out errors in ZAB’s reference

ISLAMABAD: Making critical statement on presidential reference in relation to ZA Bhutto’s murder case, filed under article 186 of the constitution by PPP government in Supreme Court (SC), the Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry has said that no constitutional question of ‘Point of Law’ has been properly framed in presidential reference, which made it look drafted by a draftsman instead of president, Geo News reported.

“No legal question, challenging legality of the previous verdict of the case, has been framed properly in this reference which made it look as have been drafted by a draftsman instead of the President of Pakistan himself,” CJ remarked.

A three-member bench of supreme court led by CJ Chaudhry, held hearing of ZAB reference case today. The other members of bench include Justice Sair Ali and Justice Fhulam Rabbani.

Being counsel of federal government, Advocate Babar Awan put forth initial arguments on the case. Meanwhile, CJ remarked that ‘Point of Law’ had not been properly taken up in this case.

He said that the issue relating to the reference was sensitive in nature therefore the apex court would fulfill requirements of article 186, which bases this case before reaching any judgment.

At this, Babar Awan said that federal cabinet’s all ministers had thoroughly reviewed the reference in a meeting before its approval for filing in Supreme Court.

“President signed this reference in front of public and subsequently, the same was read out in a courtroom, ” Awan reminded.

Later, the hearing was adjourned till Monday, April 18, 2011.