Apex Court assures former minister of protective bail

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday assured former finance minister Ishaq Dar of protective bail in a case challenging his Senate seat and ordered him to appear before it.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, resumed hearing of the petition moved by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate Nawazish Pirzada against Lahore High Court’s (LHC) verdict allowing Dar to submit his nomination papers for the Senate election.

Dar’s counsel, Salman Aslam Butt, was present in court. “Where is Ishaq Dar?” questioned the chief justice. “Dar is ill and currently in another country,” replied Butt, however, at this, the top judge remarked, “He can’t be ill enough to not show up when summoned.”

Butt submitted a medical certificate on Dar’s behalf, which was rejected by the court. The chief justice instructed him to submit Dar’s reply.

He said that the notice issued to Dar earlier had directed him to appear before the court under any circumstances. Butt responded saying that he would have to confirm with Dar whether he can appear in court. “You may inquire from him, our chambers are open till 8 pm tonight,” Justice Nisar remarked.

“Dar is well enough to visit the Supreme Court today.” In March, the apex court issued a notice to Dar over a plea against the LHC verdict to allow his nomination papers for the Senate election.

The bench had questioned whether in the prevailing circumstances he would be eligible to contest elections. Babar Sattar was appointed amicus in this case.