ISLAMABAD - Shujat Azeem has been restrained from taking independent decision about the affairs of Civil Aviation Authority and the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali hearing his appointment as advisor on CAA summoned him on January 11. The attorney general of Pakistan was ordered to file a concise statement regarding the matter.
Azeem in view of the apex court 25-07-13 order had tendered resignation as advisor to PM on CAA, as he was court-martialled and holds dual nationality. However, he was again appointed as special assistant to PM on CAA after the retirement of former Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
Mahmood Akhtar Naqvi had filed a contempt petition against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for appointing Capt (Retd) Shujaat Azeem as special assistant.
The CJP asked from the attorney general as to how a person could be reappointed on the post earlier removed. He further asked as to whether Shujaat Azeem has any role in the privatisation of PIA. AGP Salman Aslam Butt replied that he is unaware but can inform the court about after getting instructions from the competent authority.
The bench therefore adjourned the case for half an hour. After the interval, the attorney general told that he was unable to contact the authority. He, however, said: “In my personal capacity, I can assure that Shujaat Azeem will not play his role in privatisation of national flag carrier, PIA.”
Butt, however, sought 15 days time for filing a comprehensive reply in the instant matter. Justice Jamali accepting his request in the order said: “We allow you time for submitting a reply on the assurance that Mr. Azeem will not use his official power pertaining to Aviation during this period.” The case was adjourned till January 11.