Hearing the case against Ali Jahangir Siddiqui’s appointment as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday termed the government’s decision of choosing him for the post as ‘shameful’.
Justice Athar Minallah, who heard the case against Siddiqui’s appointment, lashed out at the government and questioned Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf whether Siddiqui’s appointment is a disgraceful act for the country or not? The attorney general stated that there is no doubt about the court’s reservations. Justice Minallah further remarked, “It would have been better if Ali Jahangir Siddiqui had himself rejected the offer owing to charges of embezzlement against him.”
“The issue is sensitive in nature and the interim government cannot decide on the matter … let new government take charge,” the court observed, and adjourned the hearing until October 4.
Siddiqui on Tuesday assumed the charge of Pakistan’s new ambassador to the US, replacing Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. He is facing a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) inquiry for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 40 billion to the national exchequer. On the other hand, NAB has approached Sindh High Court (SHC) in order to place Siddiqui’s name on the exit control list (ECL). The court observed that Siddiqui will have to appear before the court whenever summoned.
Published in Daily Times, June 1st 2018.
