Summary Says, how chief executive of the country can spend the money by drawing it on his own choice.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Supreme Court has remarked if the law and constitution allows that hard earned money of public to be distributed among close friends and parliamentarians without monitoring.
SC sought legal and constitutional explanation from Attorney General (AG) Munir A Malik on utilization of his discretionary funds by former Prime Minister (PM) Raja Pervez Ashraf and release of funds to members of assembly in Balochistan in the name of uplift schemes.
The court to be told how chief executive of the country can spend the money by drawing it on his own choice from budget approved by the parliament and scrapping vital projects, SC inquired.
A 3-member bench of SC presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) has sought these explanations during the course of hearing of utilization of discretionary funds by the former PM Raja Pervez Ashraf here Tuesday.
CJP remarked “ PM discretionary funds have been abolished while such funds are still existing in respect of parliamentarians Billion of rupees were extracted from the funds of vital projects including Bhasha dam, Higher Education Commission and other sensitive projects and were distributed by the former PM that even they were not subjected to any monitoring process. Whosoever came on the door of former PM was given free hand to benefit. We have stressed on holding local bodies elections in Balochistan.
If there are any political expediencies should come to end now”.
Justice Jawad S Khawaja remarked “matter is in the hands of the rulers. As to why those who have taken oath under the constitution don’t play their role for reformation. How can chief executive spend the funds on his sweet will against the finance bill approved by the parliament?
AG appeared before the court and presented the details with reference to Tameer-e—Watan program and Peoples Works Program. AG said whatever funds have been given have been provided under the discretionary powers of former PM.
CJP remarked “as to why the funds set aside for Bhasha dam, Higher Education Commission and scholarships of students were spent. Discretionary does not mean any amount allocated in the budget be spent which has been placed under any other head.
AG said that the amount spent under discretionary powers will be subjected to monitoring.
Justice Jawad remarked “how would be monitoring carried out. He has been doing this job like monarchs that some billion rupees be given to certain person and some billion rupees be given to another person. . Therefore, question of monitoring stands ruled out.
Wasim Sajjad appeared on behalf of IESCO and said our schemes have also been discussed.
CJP remarked “we have to work within the parameters of law and constitution. If law and constitution allow then it is a different matter. Evolving schemes is domain of the government but distribution of amount this way is legal upto what extent. Wasim Sajjad said parliament had approved the expenses.
CJP remarked parliament has also to accord approval within the ambit of constitution.
Khawaja Haris said if the constitution allows MNAs to use development funds. If it allows then what will be its procedure and how the funds will be allocated.
Iftikhar Gilani said funds pertaining to several sensitive projects including Lawari tunnel were used.
Justice Khawaja remarked “budget is passed and if the chief executive can utilize funds on his own choice from the budget passed by the parliament. This is matter of fundamental human rights.
Hearing of the case was adjourned till today.
