Pak presidential reference alleges misuse of office by CJ

Islamabad, Mar 21 (UNI) The presidential reference filed by the Pakistan Government against Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry mainly focuses on the alleged appointment of his son Dr Arsalan Iftikhar in the medical profession and then in the police service, a media report said today.

''The 17-page reference has 11 pages on Justice Chaudhry's alleged abuse of office to get his son appointed on the senior position in police services in contravention to all rules and regulations,'' The Dawn newspaper reported.

This is for the first time since March 9 that contents of the reference have been revealed in the media amid repeated demands by Justice Chaudhry's counsels for open hearing into the presidential charges of misconduct and misuse of authority against the top judge.

''Rest of the reference deals mainly with allegations relating to Justice Chaudhry using a fleet of cars contrary to rules, his insistence on protocol, using planes and helicopters to which he was not entitled and using a BMW car with registration No Razia-1 by a member of his family,'' said the English daily.

''Justice Chaudhry unlawfully used his position as a judge and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan to influence, harass and intimidate all concerned and compelled them to act in an unlawful manner,'' the reference alleged.

The reference contains the same accusations as mentioned by advocate Naeem Bokhari in his open letter to the Chief Justice which is also carried by a section of the press about the irregular appointment of his son in the police force.

Contents of the reference were revealed a day after the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), adjourned its yesterday's meeting on the presidential reference until April 3.

''The SJC has adjourned hearing of application filed by Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in reference against him until April 3,'' said a statement issued by the council here yesterday.

Munir A Malik, one of the counsels for Justice Chaudhry, had told reporters that the adjournment was aimed at sabotaging movement of the lawyers.

UNI