Model Town case: Ahmad Awais resigns as Punjab Attorney General, tells CM Buzdar
The judge expressed dissatisfaction over the reply of advocate general.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Usman Buzdar on Thursday has appeared before Lahore High Court (LHC) for the hearing of a notice issued to Advocate General of Punjab Ahmad Awais for contempt of court regarding formation of new Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in Model Town carnage case.
During the proceedings, the CM told that Ahmad Awais has resigned as Punjab Attorney General over which Justice Qasim Khan said that AG is province’s higher official.
Meanwhile, Justice Shahzad expressed resentment over lawyers, asking, “Is this new Pakistan where lawyers in large numbers appear when the chief minister is summoned.
Justice Qasim directed prosecutor to read out court’s order and instructed to wind up the case as early as possible. Punjab CM said, “We respect court. I was busy due to the demise of my father.”
Earlier today, the court asked whether the government wants Ahmed Awais to represent case related to new JIT. The judge expressed dissatisfaction over the reply of Punjab advocate general submitted for the second time and issued notice to him.
There is a difference between talking in high pitch and making noise. Biggest law officer of the province is standing like a suspect, said Justice Qasim Khan.
On March 22, LHC had dissolved the JIT constituted to investigate the 2014 Model Town incident afresh.
The new JIT was constituted on January 3 this year for a fresh probe into the 2014 Model Town carnage, following a notification issued by the Punjab chief secretary.
The LHC ordered the new JIT to stop the probe and annulled the notification of its constitution. It has sought a reply from the Punjab government regarding the new JIT.
On June 17, 2014, Punjab police went to remove the barriers placed outside PAT Chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s residence and MQI Secretariat in Model Town. The MQI workers resisted the move which led to a deadly clash leaving 14 workers dead and dozens injured.
