Govt granted one month to submit reply in audio leaks case

On Monday, the Islamabad High Court has granted the federal government one month to submit its reply in the audio leaks case.

Justice Babar Sattar presided over the hearing regarding a petition filed by Najam us Saqib, the son of the former Chief Justice of Pakistan, related to audio leaks. Attorney General Mansoor Usman argued that, in his view, a parliamentary committee would not have initiated proceedings against Najam us Saqib for audio tapes of a private person, stating they were not related to the National Assembly.

The Attorney General requested an in-camera hearing, to which the court responded that they would consider it after the government submits its reply. Amicus curiae Mian Raza Rabbani pointed out that the petition had become ineffective, as all committee orders were rendered infructuous after the dissolution of the assembly.

The court stressed the need for a legal framework regarding audio taping and suggested consultation with the Prime Minister and the cabinet.