LNG import case: SC orders consultation with PM

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry gave directives to hold consultations with the Prime Minister for taking the matter of LNG import contract irregularities to Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC). The CJ ordered that the Liquefied Natural Gas import matter should be resumed from where it was stopped short. He was hearing a suo motu case of alleged irregularities in the LNG import contract. Earlier, SM Zafar counsel of Petroleum Ministry completed his arguments, saying the negotiations for the contract are underway; adding no violation of any sort was committed in the process. Zafar said the argument regarding loss worth one billion dollars is incorrect. The Chief Justice said the apex court should be informed by tomorrow after the PM is consulted. The case hearing was adjourned till tomorrow. Meanwhile, the apex court rejected the review petition on NAB laws, filed by Asfand Yar Wali, while Anwar Saif Ullah withdrew his plea today.A larger bench headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk conducted hearing of the case. During the hearing, Walis counsel Aitzaz Ahsan argued that the trail court should also have the authority to extend bail. The court, however, disposed off the petition.