Neither CJ, COAS want extensions,nor is government mulling over them Information minister

The News Ansar Abbasi Sunday, September 15, 2013 ISLAMABAD: Categorically refuting speculation and reports about a possible extension in the service period of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Information Minister and government spokesman Pervaiz Rashid on Saturday said those involved in such rumour-mongering were not only trying to malign the honourable CJP and the COAS, but also hurting the national interest. Talking to The News here, Pervaiz said both the CJP and the army chief were highly respected for their roles and contribution to the motherland but some elements were trying to drag them into unnecessary controversies. “Neither of the two has hinted, directly or indirectly, or shown any keenness to get extensions, nor is the government considering any such proposal. But these revered personalities are still being dragged into this controversy,” he said. Pervaiz Rashid said the army chief was not interested in getting any extension. “Even in the past, it was the PPP government that compelled him to get the extension,” the minister said, adding that the incumbent army chief had never hinted, directly or indirectly, to seek an extension. The minister said a person recently approached him saying that there were reports that the CJP would be given an extension by the government for the period he was put under illegal suspension. “I asked that person to kindly spare the country’s heroes from such controversies,” he said, adding that neither has the CJP approached the government for this, nor has the government any such option in mind. Even otherwise, those talking about the CJP’s extension do not know that the retirement age for judges of high courts and the Supreme Court is set in the Constitution and no executive authority or court could extend it. “The retirement age of judges can be reduced or increased only through a constitutional amendment, he added. During the Dogar court’s era a decision was taken to extend the post-superannuation service of a few police officers for the period they were made OSD while in service. But it was the Supreme Court under the incumbent CJP that reviewed the same judgment and overturned it. As the two respected chiefs are nearing their retirement date, speculation is going on about their continuation in their respective offices one way or the other. This speculation started even before the elections. A few months ago, the army chief while talking to this correspondent, had lamented how he was maligned by some media commentators on a matter that did not exist, was never discussed and was not even in his mind. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is widely acclaimed and is even appreciated the world over for his role in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law in Pakistan. Dragging such a person into anything that is not in line with the Constitution is nothing but a sinister campaign against Pakistan’s national interest and its heroes, as has the information minister feels. Pervez Rashid said some people here were hell-bent on vilifying everything and everybody connected with Pakistan to besmear the name of our homeland internationally. Ch Nisar, Qaim agree to speed up Karachi operation Interior minister phones Sindh CM, governor, MQM leadership; assures Muttahida of addressing its concerns; governor reaches Dubai with family; Ebad had reservations over Karachi operation; says resignation option still there; Dar denies asking Ebad to withdraw resignation KARACHI: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Saturday telephoned Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah to discuss the law and order situation in Karachi. During the conversation, both the leaders agreed to further expedite the operation in Karachi. The interior minister and the chief minister also expressed satisfaction over the effective coordination and cooperation between the Rangers and the police. Ch Nisar Ali also contacted Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad in Dubai over the phone. Speaking from Dubai, Dr Ebad explained to the interior minister the reasons for visiting the Gulf. Nisar also consulted him on the Karachi situation. The interior minister also talked to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Babar Ghauri. Ghauri complained of a raid at the MQM office. The minister assured MQM leaders that their reservations would be considered seriously. Earlier, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan left for Dubai along with his family on Friday night without intimation to the President House, giving rise to widespread speculation that he had tendered his resignation in protest against the Karachi operation. Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan reportedly faxed his resignation to the President House on Saturday and left for Dubai. However, sources in the Presidency said the governor had proceeded to Dubai without prior leave and that the Presidency had not received his resignation. According to some sources, Dr Ebad was unhappy at the launching of the operation cleanup in Karachi and the arrest of former MQM MPA Nadeem Hashmi. He felt he had been sidelined in the operation, which is being handled by Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. Sources close to Governor Ebad quoted him as saying that the resignation option was still there. MQM workers have been holding protest demonstrations against the ongoing operation, claiming that it is one-sided and only MQM workers, activists and office-bearers are being targeted. Dr Ebad was appointed on Dec 27, 2002 and is the longest-serving governor of the province. According to sources, the governor will also go to Singapore. Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani will officiate as the acting governor. Meanwhile, there were reports that Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar had contacted Dr Ebad and requested him to review his decision. However, a spokesman for the finance minister denied that the minister had approached Dr Ebad or spoken to him to withdraw his resignation. The spokesman said the news report had no foundation.