SC summons DG IB to explain use of funds

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday summoned Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director General Aslam Gorchani to appear in person in response to a civil miscellaneous application over alleged use of IB funds for political purposes in the Punjab province.

A three-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, heard the case over utilisation of Rs270 million allegedly withdrawn by the PPP government from IB’s secret fund to topple the Punjab government in 2008-09.

The bench expressed dissatisfaction over the IB reply regarding withdrawal of the secret funds during the fiscal year 1988-1990 and 2008-2009 for political purposes.

The court order said: “He (DG IB) should keep in mind that he is the incumbent DG, therefore, he has access to the record and he should not conceal anything from the Court - He may also keep in mind that if the amount as alleged by Asad Kharal, reporter of an English daily, was withdrawn for toppling of Punjab government in 2009 is not correct, at least he should disclose that what was the other object of withdrawal of this huge amount and details of its expenditures as at least record must have been maintained that to whom the amount was distributed.”

The court observed that it would be kept secret, and if object and purpose of spending huge taxpayer amount seemed satisfactory then former DG IB Tariq A Lodhi would be directed to appear in person to testify on the basis of record.

The court further said that if Lodhi confirms the fact, the incumbent DG IB will have to face embarrassment.

“It is noteworthy that Tariq Lodhi who was holding charge for two months, in his earlier reply, had not denied the withdrawal of the amount except stating that it was not for toppling of the Punjab government,” the order noted.

The court further said in its order that prima facie, inference can be drawn that the amount was withdrawn and there should not be any reason for the incumbent DG IB to conceal the facts from the court. “We expect full cooperation from him, being a responsible officer and head of one of the most important intelligence organisations of the country,” it added.

During the proceedings, Supreme Court Registrar Dr Faqir Hussain sent a sealed envelope that contained Dr Shoaib Suddle’s reply. The envelope was opened in the court. The bench after examining it re-sealed and ordered the office to keep in safe custody.

The bench observed that Shoaib Suddle confirmed the allegations. However, to the extent of withdrawal of huge amount of Rs400 million during 2008-09, but not for the purpose of toppling the Punjab government, as the petitioner, Asad Kharal, has considered it a farfetched phenomenon.

“In view of the contents of report, we direct Mr Tariq A Lodhi through the DG (IB) to appear in person on the next date of hearing,” the court ordered.

The apex court also directed the finance secretary to trace the record on the basis of which sanction was made for withdrawal of amount with details of transferring the same in account of the IB as well as communication for such withdrawal must be with the finance department, through some treasury/ bank.

The court also repeated notice to Masood Sharif, another former DG IB in pursuance of its earlier order of November 28, 2012, and adjourned the hearing till January 8.

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