Former judge Arshad Malik succumbs to coronavirus

Arshad Malik was on ventilator for one week.

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Former accountability judge Arshad Malik, who convicted erstwhile prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Al-Azizia reference, has died of coronavirus on Friday in Rawalpindi. He was on ventilator for one week.

The deceased’s funeral prayers will be offered in Mandra – a town of Tehsil Gujar Khan. Arshad Malik has left two sons and as many daughters behind in the bereaved family.

Let it be known that the Lahore High Court (LHC) had sacked Arshad Malik after an inquiry into his leaked video concluded. The LHC chief justice, while issuing the notification of his dismissal, had said that Arshad Malik was found guilty in the video scandal inquiry.

The notification clarified that Arshad Malik was given full opportunity to clear his name, and his position was also heard during the inquiry. But, legal action had been taken against the ousted Judge on charges of misconduct.

Arshad Malik challenged the termination and maintained in his plea that the rules and regulations were not followed. Subsequently, a three member tribunal under the chairmanship of Justice Muhammad Tariq Abbasi was constituted.

Video Controversy

Last year in July, PML-N Vice-president Maryam Nawaz had unveiled a video clip whereby ex-accountability judge Arshad Malik could be heard saying that there was “no proof of corruption against the deposed premier” in the December 24 Al-Azizia reference.

She said the judge had contacted Nasir Butt and told him that he was feeling guilty and having nightmares ever since he announced the verdict that led to Nawaz Sharif’s imprisonment.

The PML-N leader claimed that the accountability judge was coerced into delivering the Al-Azizia verdict against him [Nawaz]. She further demanded acquittal of Nawaz Sharif on the basis of evidences shown in video, adding that she respects every institution of Pakistan.

Responding to the video, Arshad Malik rejected all the allegations leveled by Maryam Nawaz and termed the leaked video as fake, fabricated and out of context. He revealed that PML-N leaders offered him bribe when he was hearing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) references against Sharif family.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had initially suspended Arshad Malik and ordered him to report to the LHC for further proceedings.

The notification stated, “The Chief Justice of this Court has been pleased to order to place the said judicial officer under suspension and repatriate to his parent department i.e. Lahore High Court, with immediate effect, for disciplinary proceedings to be conducted in accordance with law.”